Maharashtra Politics: Uddhav Thackeray Leads 'Janakrosh Morcha' Against Mahayuti Ministers; Fadnavis Hits Back With ‘Mandate Thief’ Jibe

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday organised a statewide agitation, Janakrosh Morcha, targeting “corrupt ministers” in the Mahayuti government and demanding their immediate removal. Addressing a rally at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, Thackeray accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of protecting tainted ministers and alleged that the state had fallen to the bottom in development rankings while topping the list in corruption.

Support for Rahul Gandhi and Criticism of ECI

Thackeray also extended support to Rahul Gandhi’s stand against the Election Commission of India (ECI). “When we were in power, no minister accused of wrongdoing was spared. The Mahayuti government, however, shelters those facing serious allegations,” Thackeray said, warning that the protests would intensify if the ministers were not sacked. “We gave them (government) evidence (against ministers) and yet there is no action on them. Someone is running a dance bar, another has a bag full of notes. There is no need of even any probe now, yet the CM does not sack the ministers,” Thackeray said.

Statewide demonstrations took place in Thane, Pune, Beed, Dhule and Ratnagiri.

The protests also featured symbolic acts. In Thane, workers brought bags filled with fake currency, while in Pune and other districts, demonstrators wore lungis, vests or carried playing cards.

Symbolic Protests Across Maharashtra

Thackeray declared that the agitation would continue and escalate until “corruption is removed from the corridors of power.”

The Sena (UBT) chief also targeted the Centre over Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as vice president. He said no explanation was given for Dhankhar's sudden resignation, and sought information on his 'disappearance'.

'Bhrashtachar pe charcha'

Accusing the BJP of being the ‘Bhrashtachari Janata Party’, Thackeray mocked Fadnavis, saying “He is not a chief minister, but a ‘thief minister’. The Congress has given him a good name.”

“Now, wherever you go – at tea stalls, in salons – start ‘Bhrashtachar Pe Charcha’. Avoid only the shady bars, like Savali, owned by minister Yogesh Kadam,” he said.

Thackeray also launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central government over the detention of Opposition MPs in New Delhi during their protest against the Election Commission (EC), alleging that “the world has witnessed the murder of democracy in India.”

Attack on Centre Over Dhankhar’s Resignation

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Thackeray accused the government of “crushing the fight for democracy” and claimed that by detaining MPs protesting against alleged “vote theft,” the BJP-led NDA had “smeared democracy with its own hands.”

“This battle is with the EC, why is the BJP and the government interfering?” Thackeray questioned.

He also criticised the EC’s stand before the Supreme Court in the case of voters being removed from electoral rolls in Bihar. “The EC has told the apex court it is not bound to share the list of deleted voters. Are the election commissioners bigger than the Supreme Court?,” Thackeray asked.

Fadnavis dismissed Thackeray’s charges, alleging that it was the UBT chief who had “stolen the people’s mandate” by breaking ties with the BJP in 2019.

“Uddhav Thackeray is a mandate thief. People sent him home because he betrayed their trust. His followers are also coffin thieves – they even made money off coffin purchases,” Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis further ridiculed the Janakrosh Morcha protests, saying, “This is not public outrage; it is personal frustration. They lost power and the CM’s chair, so they are venting their anger.”