Deora alleges bid to defame Shinde as he cannot be beaten in Thane, hits out at Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora has targeted Uddhav Thackeray. Allegations and counter-allegations are flying in Maharashtra politics over the functioning of the police department, and Deora made his remarks amid this climate.

Deora alleged that Eknath Shinde cannot be defeated politically in Thane, so a conspiracy is being hatched to malign him. He said Uddhav Thackeray should explain events that took place during his tenure as chief minister before saying anything about the police department.

Deora referred to the incident of March 10, 2021. He alleged that Thackeray, then chief minister, had defended Sachin Waze. He also reminded that during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, serious allegations of extorting money from industrialists had been made. Through these points, Deora raised questions about that government's tenure.

According to Deora, while criticising the functioning of the police department, the events during the previous government should also be considered. On these issues he sought an explanation from Thackeray.

On the Mumbai Police, Deora said it is one of the best and most professional police forces in the country. But he said such incidents damage the police's image. Deora said that if the police's image suffers, the consequences could be wide-ranging, and could also affect Maharashtra's industry, employment and investment.

On the Purnekar family, Deora said clearly that the most important thing in this case is that the family gets justice. He also appealed that the Purnekar family should not become a tool in the hands of those who are using the case for political ends, without genuine feeling.

The statement is likely to sharpen the allegations and counter-allegations in Maharashtra's political circles. The allegations are Deora's own political position. How the parties concerned respond, and how the allegations are separately examined, will be important going forward.