Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 11: Shiv Sena (UBT) is set to stage statewide protests on Monday, demanding the immediate removal of ministers from the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra who are facing serious allegations, including corruption and misconduct.
Party chief Uddhav Thackeray will lead the main demonstration in Mumbai's Dadar, near the Sena Bhavan headquarters, alongside party leader Aaditya Thackeray. The protests are part of the party’s “Jan Aakrosh” agitation, calling for accountability from the state government.
The protest comes in the backdrop of multiple controversies involving ministers accused in corruption cases, illegal activities, and a honey trap scandal. Despite public outcry, Shiv Sena (UBT) claims the government has failed to act and has instead shielded these ministers.
As part of the protest, the party plans to hold demonstrations outside District Collector offices across Maharashtra. The agitation coincides with the INDIA bloc’s protest in Delhi against the Election Commission over alleged electoral misconduct.
Among the ministers named by Shiv Sena (UBT) are:
• Manikrao Kokate, former Agriculture Minister, who faced criticism for playing rummy during a Council session and calling the government "a beggar". While stripped of his agriculture portfolio, he was reassigned to Sports, Youth Welfare, Minority Affairs, and Awqaf.
• Yogesh Kadam, MoS for Home (Urban) and Revenue, accused of links to illegal sand mining and owning a controversial dance bar in his mother's name. Despite raids and arrests at the bar, Kadam remains in office.
• Dadaji Bhuse, School Education Minister, has been accused of corruption and irregularities in his department.
• Jaykumar Gore, Nitesh Rane, Sanjay Rathod, and Bharat Gogawale are also under scrutiny for various allegations.
Party MLC Anil Parab previously demanded Kadam’s resignation following a raid at Savali Bar in Mumbai’s Kandivali, where 22 bar dancers and customers were detained.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have urged the state government to act decisively and remove the ministers under investigation, warning that public anger is rising.