Shiv Sena Secretary Kiran Pawaskar accuses Shiv Sena UBT of pressuring Muslims to influence elections

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 19 : Shiv Sena Secretary and Spokesperson Kiran Pawaskar on Sunday accused Shiv Sena UBT of pressuring Muslims to influence elections, putting up banners and posters, and using Maulvis for campaigning.
In a press release by Shiv Sena, Kiran Pawaskar said, "Posters are being put up in Mumbai asking Narendra Modi not to become the Prime Minister, creating division in society. An FIR has been lodged by the Shiv Sena against the organization responsible for creating communal strife at JJ Marg Police Station."
He added, "For the past year, Sanjay Raut has been predicting riots before the elections. Why was he saying this? The Pakistani flag is seen in the campaign of Sena UBT's candidate."
Notably, BJP leader Nitesh Rane took to his official X handle and posted on May 14, "The flag of Pakistan in the procession of UBT! Now what people of PFI, SIMI, AL QAEDA will take Matoshree biryani... Dawood will also build a memorial in Mumbai. And it is said that this is the "real child" of Balasaheb."
Pawaskar also demanded police action against the incident of waving the flag and called for an inquiry to determine if Sanjay Raut and Uddhav Thackeray were the masterminds and whether they received foreign funds. "A complaint has been filed with the Central and State Election Commissions against Sanjay Raut," Pawaskar added.
Pawaskar also informed that Rupesh Patil, the organiser of Mumbadevi Vibhag Sangathak Shivsena in South Mumbai, has filed a police complaint regarding an objectionable poster put up at Sabu Siddique Hospital, Imam Wada Road, Dongri. "These posters claim that mosques are being demolished and dargahs are being closed. If this is not happening, why put up such posters?" Pawaskar asked.
In the press release, Pawaskar also alleged that there is a conspiracy behind these false claims and the support for Sena UBT. The organisation Jamnagar Halai Memon Jamaat has reportedly issued a letter of cooperation to Sena UBT.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat claimed that Uddhav Thackeray, by agreeing to share the Chief Ministership for two and a half years, did not actually intend to align with the BJP.
"The BJP aimed to form a united government in the state. Uddhav Thackeray, by agreeing to share the Chief Ministership for two and a half years, did not actually intend to align with the BJP, instead ensuring his own position as Chief Minister. This political manoeuvre led to the election defeat," said Sanjay Shirsat.
Shirsat also criticised Thackeray, stating that this move was driven by personal ambition rather than the party's welfare.
"In 2014, BJP had offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister to Eknath Shinde. However, due to Uddhav Thackeray's personal opposition to Shinde, he did not accept the post. Despite repeated attempts by BJP leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, to contact Matoshree (residence of CM of Maharashtra), Uddhav Thackeray did not respond," he said.
Shirsat also noted that the BJP had no opposition to Eknath Shinde for the post of Chief Minister.
Notably, Maharashtra, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is the second-largest contributor to the lower house of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh. Known for its political diversity and significant electoral influence, Maharashtra plays a crucial role in shaping national politics.