Shiv Sena leader Raju Waghmare responded strongly to recent remarks made by opposition leaders regarding the health of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Waghmare criticized the opposition for what he termed as “disparaging comments” following the party’s recent electoral defeat, accusing them of using Shinde’s health as a political tool.
“After the crushing defeat of the opposition, their mental balance has deteriorated, and that is why they are saying anything,” Waghmare said in a statement, defending Shinde’s leadership. He expressed disapproval of the opposition’s attempts to politicize Shinde’s health, adding, “If they (the opposition) want to do politics even on his (Eknath Shinde’s) health, then they should be ashamed.”
The Shiv Sena leader emphasized that Shinde had made it clear that the Shiv Sena would not stand in the way of any decisions made by the central leadership regarding the state’s leadership. “Eknath Shinde has made it clear that Shiv Sena is not an obstacle. Whatever decision they (central leadership) take, we will accept it,” Waghmare affirmed.
He further clarified that the decision regarding the appointment of the Chief Minister was not in the hands of Shiv Sena, but rather, it rested with the BJP, the party’s ally in the state. “The ball is not in our court regarding the Chief Minister; the ball is in BJP’s court,” he said, reiterating that the Shiv Sena was fully prepared to respect the decision of the BJP leadership.
Waghmare also expressed confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating, “Whatever decision the leaders of Mahayuti, Prime Minister Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah take, we will accept it.” He concluded by stressing that there was no reason for anger or discord over the process, urging the opposition to focus on constructive politics instead of engaging in divisive rhetoric.
With political tensions continuing to unfold in Maharashtra, the statement from Shiv Sena’s Raju Waghmare underscores the party’s readiness to cooperate with the central leadership and its commitment to maintaining unity within the alliance, despite the ongoing discussions about the state’s leadership.
