Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a sharp criticism against his rival and predecessor, Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of exploiting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj`s name for political gain while emulating the actions of historical figures Aurangzeb and Afzal Khan.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Shinde condemned the opposition for politicising the Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse in Sindhudurg`s Malvan area on 26 August. He emphasised that despite apologies from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and himself, the opposition continues to engage in political games over the "painful" incident, reported PTI.