The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) will hold protests across Maharashtra on Monday, alleging large-scale corruption during the tenure of the previous Eknath Shinde-led government. Demonstrations are scheduled for 12 noon outside all district collector offices, with Uddhav Thackeray himself leading the central protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, joined by senior party leaders.
In Mumbai, protests will also be staged outside various government offices.
Corruption Allegations Against Former Ministers
In an official statement, the Sena (UBT) accused former ministers Sanjay Rathod of a ₹60-crore scam, Dhananjay Munde of irregularities in ₹1,500-crore procurements, and Manikrao Kokate of causing losses in oilseed procurement. The party also alleged that then deputy chief minister and current CM Devendra Fadnavis ignored repeated complaints of corruption.
“Instead of safeguarding public money, ministers are busy filling their own coffers,” the statement read, adding that the agitation aims to expose corrupt and anti-people policies and alert citizens to how their money is being looted.
Political Context: Pawar’s ‘160 Seats’ Claim
The protest comes days after NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar claimed he was approached before the Assembly polls by two individuals offering to guarantee 160 seats in Maharashtra.
Pawar’s remarks followed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations in Delhi about irregularities in the voting process and his promise to present evidence. Calling Gandhi’s claims serious, Pawar demanded a detailed probe from the Election Commission, not the BJP.
Raut, Aaditya Thackeray Back Pawar’s Statement
Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut backed Pawar’s disclosure, stating that similar individuals approached Uddhav Thackeray before both the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. “I was present when they met him. They said, ‘Give us the 60 to 65 difficult seats, and we will ensure your victory through EVMs.’ We refused, saying we believe in democracy,” Raut said.
Raut claimed the offer was rejected twice—once during the Lok Sabha campaign when the party was confident of winning, and again before the Assembly elections. Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray also said he believed Pawar’s claims were genuine.
BJP Dismisses Allegations
The BJP and its allies have rejected the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. Opposition parties, however, have reiterated their demand for an independent, high-level investigation.
