'Took holy dip to wash...': Shinde hits back at Thackeray
What's the story
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde has hit back at Uddhav Thackeray's criticism of his recent visit to Prayagraj, where he took a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh.
Shinde accused Uddhav Thackeray of compromising Balasaheb Thackeray's ideologies.
"They (Uddhav) committed the sin of compromising with Balasaheb's ideologies and crushing the morale of Sainiks...Should I say I took the holy dip at the confluence to wash away the sins committed by them?" Shinde said.
Political tour
Shinde dismisses impact of Thackeray's upcoming tour
Shinde also spoke about Thackeray's upcoming statewide tour, brushing it off.
He was confident of continued voter support, as seen in the assembly elections.
"They called us traitors before the elections, but the voters stood behind us in the assembly polls," he said.
"It is for sure that the voters will ensure they (the UBT faction) are swept clean in the coming municipal elections," he added.
Cultural significance
Shinde criticizes Thackeray's understanding of Prayagraj's significance
Shinde further slammed Thackeray's understanding of the cultural and spiritual importance of Prayagraj.
He said, "It is not surprising to see them comment on my tour as they do not know its importance of Prayagraj as they go to London to wash their sins."
He was responding to media queries on Thackeray's remark that no amount of holy dips could wash away the "stamp of traitorship."
Spiritual journey
Former actress Nupur Alankar spotted at Maha Kumbh
In another sighting at the Maha Kumbh, former actress Nupur Alankar was spotted. Alankar quit the entertainment industry in February 2022 to lead a life of spirituality.
She reminisced about her journey and the major changes in life that made her turn toward devotion.
"After embracing sanyaas, I immersed myself in visiting pilgrimages and helping those in need," she said.