Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Aaditya Thackeray Jibes at Shrikant Shinde: 'Let's Not Compare Thieves To Us'
Imagine two groups of friends who used to play together but now don't get along.
One friend, Aaditya, was talking at a big meeting about how his group likes to build good things.
Someone asked him if another friend, Shrikant, should have been there too.
Aaditya said, 'Let's not compare builders with thieves!'
He meant that his group is honest and the other group isn't.
This is happening because both groups want to lead their city, Mumbai, and soon there will be an election to decide.
Aaditya is talking about making the city better, while the other side says his group did bad things when they were in charge.
His comment shows that the disagreement between these friends is getting pretty personal.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray made a remark at a FICCI summit comparing his group to builders and the rival faction, represented by Shrikant Shinde, to 'thieves'.
The comment was made when Shrikant Shinde, son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, did not attend a panel discussion with Thackeray.
Thackeray's statement is seen as a sharp jab at the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction amid the ongoing political split and upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
The remark reflects Thackeray's positioning as a proponent of 'clean and modern Mumbai' focused on development, while his rivals accuse his faction of corruption.
Political observers view the comment as a sign of Thackeray's renewed confidence and the increasingly personal nature of the rivalry between the two Shiv Sena factions.
- Who
- Aaditya Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT leader)
- What
- Made a remark, 'Let’s not compare thieves to us,' seemingly directed at Shrikant Shinde, son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
- When
- Wednesday, prior to the November 12 publication date of the article.
- Where
- During a session at the FICCI Young Leaders Summit in Mumbai.
- Why
- In response to a comment by the interviewer suggesting a debate between him and Shrikant Shinde would be intense, and possibly as a jab ahead of upcoming BMC elections.
Aaditya Thackeray's Stance
Shinde Camp's Accusations
Rivalry Framing
Aaditya Thackeray's Stance
Aaditya Thackeray frames the political rivalry by stating, 'Let's not compare thieves to us,' implying his faction is distinct from the rival group.
Shinde Camp's Accusations
The debate is characterized as 'fire with fire' due to the rivalry between the two Shiv Sena factions. The Shinde camp has accused Thackeray's faction of corruption and neglect.
Political Strategy
Aaditya Thackeray's Stance
Thackeray positions himself as the face of a 'clean and modern Mumbai,' focusing on development, sustainability, and governance.
Shinde Camp's Accusations
The Shinde camp counters with accusations of corruption against the Thackeray faction during their tenure.
- Event
- FICCI Young Leaders Summit
- Speaker
- Aaditya Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT)
- Target of Remark
- Shrikant Shinde (son of Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde)
- Location
- Mumbai
- Date of Remark
- Wednesday (as per article's November 12 publication date)
- Context
- A debate session where Shrikant Shinde was expected but did not attend.