'Contest against me': Shrikant Shinde’s strong rebuttal to Ganesh Naik

KALYAN: The ongoing war of words in Thane district between senior BJP leader and minister Ganesh Naik and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has shown no signs of subsiding. The dispute took a fresh turn after Naik’s latest remarks prompted a sharp rebuttal from Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde, who openly challenged him to an electoral contest.


Speaking at a public event on Saturday, Ganesh Naik launched a strong attack on Eknath Shinde and his son, Dr. Shrikant Shinde. In a pointed jibe, Naik said that “if you get entangled with me, I will make you a former MP for life.” He further alleged that Shinde’s leadership had pushed Maharashtra “ten years backward.” Naik also warned that he would not tolerate the alleged misuse of government machinery or instances of land grabbing. Additionally, he made assertive comments about the political presence of the Shinde faction in Thane district.


His statements have been widely interpreted as exposing internal tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.


A day after the remarks, on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, Dr. Shrikant Shinde visited the historic Ambarnath Shiv Temple and Dombivli's Pimplehwar Shiv temple, where he offered prayers and performed rituals.


Following the visit, Shinde spoke about the ongoing development of the temple corridor at Ambernath Shiv temple and expressed confidence that devotees from across the country would be drawn to the site.


Reacting strongly to Naik’s comments, Dr. Shinde told reporters that with advancing age, certain common issues such as forgetfulness, irritability, and disorientation are often observed — a statement he said he could make “as a doctor.” He added that Naik should refrain from making statements about “turning someone into a former MP.”


Escalating his response, Shinde challenged Ganesh Naik or his son to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Kalyan or Thane if they were “so enthusiastic.” He reiterated that voters had elected him to Parliament three times, calling it a reflection of public trust in his work.


In a counterattack, Shinde remarked that “those who have repeatedly become former representatives should avoid threatening to make others former.” Referring to past political battles, he recalled that Shiv Sena workers, under the leadership of Eknath Shinde, had once helped a newcomer like Anand Paranjpe win twice despite not holding a ministerial position, defeating Naik’s family.


He also noted that Naik himself had faced defeat in the past, including by Manda Mhatre from within his own political fold.


Citing recent municipal election outcomes, Shinde claimed that Shiv Sena had secured mayoral positions in KDMC, Ulhasnagar, and Thane, which he described as evidence of the party’s organisational strength and public support. He acknowledged that there had been shortcomings in Navi Mumbai and said corrective measures would be taken.


Shrikant Shinde also took a swipe at Naik, saying that Naik’s real issue with Eknath Shinde stems from the fact that when Naik was already a minister, Eknath Shinde was only a branch chief, but later Shinde rose to become Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister while Naik remained just a minister.




Concluding with a strong message, Dr Shinde said, "You (Naik) repeatedly take jibes at Shinde Saheb. He is straightforward and responds through his work, not words. But it would be better if you do not get entangled with me.”


The latest exchange has fueled political debate, underlining visible strains within the state’s ruling alliance.