Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 28: Maharashtra’s political landscape heated up on Tuesday after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a fiery attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, branding him an “anaconda” and accusing the BJP of trying to “swallow Mumbai” through power politics and dubious land deals.

Thackeray’s remarks followed a Saamna report — the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s mouthpiece — alleging that the BJP constructed a new office in Mumbai using illegally acquired land. Drawing a pointed analogy, Thackeray compared the BJP’s growing political influence to a newly arrived anaconda at Mumbai’s Jijamata Udyan, saying the party’s hunger for control over Mumbai was “limitless.”

The comments sparked immediate backlash from the Mahayuti alliance, with top leaders accusing Thackeray of hypocrisy and corruption.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hit back sharply, saying,

“The one calling others an anaconda is the real anaconda himself. He wrapped himself around Mumbai’s treasury and devoured the city’s wealth. His greed, like an anaconda’s hunger, has no end.”

Echoing the sentiment, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule compared Thackeray to a “python,” accusing him of idleness and mismanagement.

“Uddhav Thackeray is like a python who sits at home, sleeps all day, and ruins Mumbai. In contrast, Amit Shah has worked tirelessly from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to strengthen India and fight terrorism,” Bawankule said.

He further questioned Thackeray’s leadership, adding that real leaders prove their worth through electoral victories, not insults.

“For 11 years, under PM Modi’s leadership, Amit Shah has helped eliminate terrorism. Such a man being called an anaconda is absurd. Thackeray, who couldn’t manage his own party, has weakened it and harmed Hindus in the process,” he said.

Joining the chorus, BJP MLA Ram Kadam mocked Thackeray’s remarks as “a reflection of frustration and poor mental health.”

“Uddhav Thackeray has been deserted by his allies and ministers. His statements show growing frustration. While Amit Shah commands respect through hard work, Uddhav, who inherited politics, has failed to uphold it,” Kadam told reporters.

With both camps trading sharp barbs, the war of words marks yet another escalation in Maharashtra’s already charged political climate ahead of the upcoming elections.