Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 21: In a fiery editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched a scathing attack on the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, following the induction of veteran NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal into the Maharashtra cabinet.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction described Bhujbal’s return to the cabinet as a "political tragedy" — both for Bhujbal and for those in the Mahayuti alliance who once opposed him vehemently.

“Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Mindhe (Shinde) had earlier criticised Bhujbal strongly. Now, they will have to sit beside him in the cabinet, swallowing their own words,” the editorial read, not mincing its words.

Highlighting Bhujbal’s tumultuous journey — from his fight for Marathi identity and stint in jail, to being a senior NCP leader forced to join hands with BJP-led Mahayuti — Saamana termed the move a fall from grace for the seasoned politician.

The editorial recalled how Eknath Shinde had once lashed out at Uddhav Thackeray for sharing cabinet space with Bhujbal, who was infamously associated with the arrest of Balasaheb Thackeray, the iconic Shiv Sena founder.

“You used to ask Uddhav Thackeray, how he didn’t feel ashamed to sit with Bhujbal. What will you do now, Shinde? Go and complain to your boss, Amit Shah,” the editorial stated mockingly.

The Thackeray camp further criticised Deputy CM Shinde’s about-face, noting that despite his previous stance, he not only attended Bhujbal's oath-taking but also felicitated him with a bouquet.

“This is not just political irony, but a warning to Shinde and his followers,” Saamana wrote. The editorial described the entire episode as a "testing moment" for Shinde’s loyalty to the original Shiv Sena ideology.

The editorial also touched upon Bhujbal's public disappointment in December 2023, when he was excluded from the cabinet expansion. At the time, he voiced concerns about injustice to the OBC community, threatening to break his silence. However, Saamana alleges he was convinced to stay quiet by Fadnavis, suggesting a power-play behind closed doors.

“Bhujbal’s entry is not just a political adjustment — it is a slap to those who had made moral claims in public. If Shinde truly believes in Balasaheb’s ideology, he must resign.

Otherwise, he will have to do what he once mocked — sit on Bhujbal’s lap,” concluded the editorial in its trademark biting tone.