Posting on X platform, Modi said, ‘Warm birthday greetings to Eknath Shinde. He is ceaselessly striving for Maharashtra’s progress and realizing the dreams cherished by Balasaheb Thackeray and Dharmaveer Anand Dighe. Wishing him long life and robust health.’

This gesture comes at a time when Maharashtra, India’s economic powerhouse, is witnessing accelerated infrastructure projects, industrial investments, and social welfare initiatives under the Mahayuti dispensation.

Shinde, whose dramatic rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership reshaped Maharashtra politics, reciprocated with deep appreciation. ‘Grateful for your kind birthday wishes. Your inspiring words and blessings motivate us all. With your farsighted leadership, India surges ahead, and Maharashtra marches on your development roadmap with full commitment,’ he replied.

The veteran leader reaffirmed his pledge, ‘Under your guidance, we’ll stay resolute in public service and contribute to a thriving, self-reliant India. Sincere thanks for your goodwill.’

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also joined the celebrations, posting, ‘Heartiest birthday wishes to Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde. Your commendable work in state development and public welfare continues. May Ganpati Bappa bless you with excellent health and longevity.’

Shinde thanked Shah as well, calling his wishes a ‘true blessing’ and seeking continued guidance for Maharashtra’s upliftment.

As Shinde turns another year older, his role remains pivotal in balancing Shiv Sena’s regional ethos with BJP’s national vision, fostering projects like the Mumbai Metro expansion, coastal road development, and Samriddhi Mahamarg, all aimed at propelling Maharashtra towards a $1 trillion economy.

Recalling Maharashtra’s political history, Dubey noted Balasaheb Thackeray’s pivotal support for BJP. ‘They betrayed him by fracturing Shiv Sena,’ he charged. As Maharashtra honors Thackeray’s centenary with widespread events, Dubey decried the current split. ‘Balasaheb was a pan-India leader whose Hindu voice echoed worldwide. We’ll win back our party and symbol through the courts.’

Commenting on Shashi Tharoor’s rift with Congress, Dubey urged the grand old party to mend fences. ‘Tharoor’s experience is invaluable; dismissing him would be folly amid internal discords.’ On BMC’s mayor tussle, Dubey mocked BJP’s ambitions: ‘They’ll install their mayor soon, but what do Marathi voters gain? Shinde must weigh his political trades.’

Dubey’s remarks underscore deepening NDA rifts and regional power dynamics ahead of key polls.

Speaking candidly, Dubey pointed out the BJP’s zero representation—no legislators, no parliamentarians, no grassroots machinery. ‘They want to barge in via partnerships, piggybacking on others. But Tamil Nadu’s people are wide awake and will settle scores,’ he asserted to IANS.

Dubey’s barbs didn’t stop at Tamil Nadu. He mocked PM Modi’s southern campaigns: ‘Efforts in Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala too. Keep at it; success might come after a century.’ Reflecting on Maharashtra’s history, he noted Balasaheb Thackeray’s past aid to BJP, betrayed by party splits. ‘Proximity to BJP spells doom for any outfit,’ he cautioned.

Addressing Shashi Tharoor’s no-show at Congress’s Delhi huddle, Dubey stayed neutral: ‘Internal Congress matter. Tharoor’s seasoned; if they undervalue him during turmoil, it’s self-defeating. They must talk it out.’

Paying tribute on Balasaheb’s jayanti, Dubey portrayed him as a pan-India leader whose pro-Hindu stance echoed worldwide. Tragically, he said, protégés have splintered Shiv Sena. With polls looming, Dubey’s outspoken critique underscores deepening national political fault lines.