Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde openly criticized Uddhav Thackeray, the head of Shiv Sena (UBT) and former Chief Minister, asserting that Thackeray exhibits an "anti-development" stance. Shinde, without directly naming his predecessor, expressed his disapproval by stating that Thackeray "sat at home for two-and-a-half years" and engaged in mere ostentation.
Speaking to reporters, Shinde emphasized the current administration's commitment to actual development and city cleanliness. While refraining from commenting on the criticism directed at the government, he highlighted Thackeray's purported lack of involvement in developmental initiatives. Shinde cited instances where Thackeray opposed projects such as the Metro car shed at Aarey land in Mumbai, the construction of Metro lines, and impeded the progress of the Samruddhi highway connecting Mumbai and Nagpur.
Questioning the moral authority of the critics, Shinde remarked on their opposition to various projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and connectivity. The Chief Minister, recalling the revolt led by him against the Shiv Sena leadership in June 2022, resulting in the collapse of the Thackeray government, suggested that such dissenting factions lack credibility.
Shinde also highlighted the technological advancements and scale of the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL), popularly known as Atal Setu, the longest sea bridge in the country. Scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, the bridge spans from Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Uran taluka of Raigad district, constructed at Rs 18,000 crore. Shinde underscored the use of modern technology in its construction, noting that the quantity of steel employed in the bridge is four times that of the renowned Howrah Bridge in Kolkata.
