Shinde not invited to NMIA Shivaji statue unveiling, Sena cries insult

Mumbai: Shiv Sena Minister Sanjay Shirsat on Sunday said he would raise the issue of DCM Eknath Shinde allegedly not being invited to Saturday’s unveiling of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Navi Mumbai International Airport. Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve said the incident showed Shinde is being sidelined within the MahaYuti. Political observers said given the turf rivalry between Sena and BJP’s Ganesh Naik in Navi Mumbai, this was seen as a snub for Shinde. Shirsat alleged officials might have acted under political pressure but warned they must not step into politics.

CM Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a 12-foot bronze bust of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Terminal 1 of NMIA. Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, MLAs Prashant Thakur and Mahesh Baldi, former MP Ramsheth Thakur were present.

Sena functionaries said the invitation named the CM alone and not the DCMs. Sena functionaries asked why DCM Shinde was not invited despite being guardian minister of Thane district and the high-profile event was held in Navi Mumbai.

“I’ll raise the issue before CM Fadnavis in the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, “ Shirsat said.


Danve said this instance reflected the kind of treatment being meted out to Shinde by BJP.

“Navi Mumbai is Thane district and Shinde is the guardian minister. If he is not invited to an event in his own district, it is clear which direction things are heading. It shows that they (BJP) don’t want Shinde. What will he do...just getting upset? He will be upset for a couple of days and go back to his village. Beyond that, what can he do?”Danve said.