Shiv Sena Factions Clash Over Balasaheb Thackeray's Death: Defamation Lawsuit Threatened

Ramdas Kadam (left) and Anil Parab have entered into a serious conflict

Mumbai:

The political confrontation between Shiv Sena UBT and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena has grown more severe following senior leader Ramdas Kadam's controversial statements regarding Balasaheb Thackeray's death at the Dussehra rally. This dispute, now continuing for three days, has escalated with ongoing exchanges between leaders from both Sena factions.

Responding to Kadam's remarks, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLC Anil Parab announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit against Kadam, stating that any financial compensation awarded would be donated to farmers.

Parab criticized Kadam for "descending to a shameful level" and described his comments about Balasaheb Thackeray's final moments as "crude and disrespectful."

"Balasaheb's illness has been turned into a political matter. A medical team was constantly monitoring his condition. I was present during his final hours and can testify to what happened," Parab stated.

He also mentioned a 1993 incident involving Kadam's wife and questioned the former minister's ethical standing to make such allegations.

"They conceal their own misdeeds while accusing others," Parab remarked, adding that Kadam was being "used to diminish public affection for Uddhav Thackeray."

Kadam responded firmly, saying he would write to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting a CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding Balasaheb Thackeray's death.

"I have remained silent until now, but I will now demand a CBI investigation to reveal the truth," Kadam stated. He alleged that announcement of Balasaheb Thackeray's death was delayed and important political figures were prevented from visiting him in his final days.

Dismissing Parab's allegations, Kadam said, "They are slandering me. My wife was cooking when two stoves exploded and caught fire. I am absolutely determined to take this matter to court."

The controversy began when Kadam, speaking at the Shinde faction's Dussehra rally at NESCO Centre in Mumbai, claimed that Balasaheb Thackeray's body was kept at Matoshree for two days before his death was publicly announced, an accusation the UBT faction described as "insulting and defamatory."

While Uddhav Thackeray avoided directly addressing the issue, stating he "doesn't respond to traitors," the dispute has now evolved into a legal matter with both sides threatening court action and calling for investigations.