Rapid Summary:
- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hosted leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) at his residence in New Delhi.
- BJP and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-lead Shiv Sena criticized Uddhav Thackeray for being seated in the last row during the meeting, calling it a sign of disrespect towards Thackeray.
- Maharashtra Information technology Minister Ashish Shelar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis commented on Mr. thackeray’s seating arrangement, alleging it displayed his diminished status within the INDIA bloc compared to earlier times with NDA alliances.
- Shiv Sena held a satirical protest at Balasaheb Thackeray’s memorial, seeking “forgiveness” for Uddhav Thackeray and expressing sadness over perceived disrespect to Maharashtra.
- Shiv Sena legislator Manisha Kayande mentioned that BJP leaders used to visit Mr. Thackeray in Mumbai, contrasting this with him going to Delhi but being placed far back during meetings now.
- Counterarguments were provided by Sanjay Raut from Shiv Sena (UBT),who stated Uddhav opted for a last-row seat to view presentations more effectively; NCP MP supriya Sule dismissed critiques as “childish,” emphasizing there was no protocol followed in an informal gathering.
Indian Opinion Analysis:
The controversy surrounding Uddhav Thackeray’s seating position reflects broader political tensions between Maharashtra-based factions and constituents of national alliances like INDIA or NDA networks. While critics perceive his placement as undermining regional pride and stature, counterclaims assert logistical reasons rather than intentional disrespect defined informal meeting processes here coupled untreated impact verified functionality needs venue layout presumption foster undue speculation political reactions emotion tactics governments clarifies alliance balancing challenges amidst eventual strengths reconciliation upcoming conclaves deliberations unduly partisan-driven挂牌