Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe has sparked controversy with her recent remarks about corruption within the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, led by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Gorhe claimed that appointments within the party were secured through monetary means, including the gifting of luxury cars.
Speaking at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi, Gorhe stated, “If you gave two Mercedes, you would get one post.” She further alleged that positions within the Shiv Sena (UBT) were given to those who could afford to buy them. Gorhe also praised Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who led a revolt against Thackeray in June 2022. Gorhe joined Shinde’s faction in July 2023.
The 70-year-old Gorhe, who founded the Stree Aadhar Kendra and is a four-time Shiv Sena MLC, made these comments during a chat hosted by a Marathi television news channel. Her remarks led to protests by Shiv Sena (UBT) workers outside her Pune residence. The protesters, including a group of women, brought a toy Mercedes car to “present” to Gorhe.
“It was Balasaheb Thackeray who made her what she is today. How can she speak like that? Where did her money come from? Who made her the Deputy Chairperson?” the protesters questioned, demanding proof of the Mercedes cars Gorhe claimed to have given to Thackeray.
In response, Uddhav Thackeray dismissed Gorhe’s comments, saying, “I don’t want to respond to gaya guzare log (good-for-nothing people). I don’t take cognisance.” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also challenged Gorhe to provide evidence, stating, “She should come with proof. She has been an MLC four times, let her come with the receipts.”
Gorhe later clarified that she had not given any money to anyone and that her comments were a general observation. “This is a general observation and such incidents happen,” she said, refusing to name anyone specifically.
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve criticized Gorhe, saying, “She has no understanding of party dynamics and was someone who only filled forms for four terms (and got elected). My party has never asked me for a single rupee. I rose from being an ordinary worker in the rural areas to Leader of Opposition. If what she claims was true, then there would have been a line of Mercedes vehicles at Matoshree.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Kishori Pednekar and Sushma Andhare also lashed out at Gorhe. Andhare stated, “If she claims corruption exists, she should account for her own earnings during her tenure. Gorhe must disclose how much she had profited from her long association with the party.” Pednekar added, “She should give proof of the Mercedes she has given.”
The controversy continues to escalate as both sides stand firm on their positions, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the Shiv Sena factions.
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