New Delhi [India], May 4 : Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), criticising the party for skipping the Centre's all-party meeting held after the Pahalgam terror attack and accusing its leaders of indulging in "luxury politics".
He also took a swipe at the Thackeray family for not acknowledging Maharashtra Day (celebrated on May 1), saying their absence reflected a disconnect from the state's people and priorities.
"When the terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam, the Thackeray family was enjoying a vacation in Europe. They were only posting on social media. No member of the Shiv Sena (UBT) was present in the all-party meeting called by the government. Later, on Maharashtra Day, they did not even post about it on social media. They were still enjoying their vacation in Europe," Deora said while speaking to ANI.
Taking a dig at the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, Deora said, "This tourist, entitled, part-time, luxury politics is not going to work in Maharashtra."
He further attacked the Thackerays, accusing them of abandoning the legacy of grassroots politics.
"From sons of the soil to tourists of India--how far the Thackerays have fallen. While bullets flew in Pahalgam, they were vacationing in Europe. On Maharashtra Day, they vanished without a word. No statement. No solidarity. No shame," Deora wrote in a post on X.
Intensifying his criticism, Deora said this what the state needs is committed leadership, not politicians on vacation.
"This isn't leadership--it's luxury politics. In contrast, DCM Eknath Shinde led from the front, stood with victims and honoured our heroes. Maharashtra needs warriors on duty, not part-time Netas on holiday," Deora said.
The April 22 terror attack took place in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen.
Several others were injured. The Central government has promised that those responsible for the attack will be punished.