BJP And Shiv Sena (UBT) Exchange Remarks Over Rahul Gandhi's Dinner Seating

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi recently organized a dinner party for top leaders of the INDIA Bloc at his home. He shared information regarding purported vote tampering in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls at the event. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray was present at the gathering and selected a seat in the final row. This was a subject of political debate, and this led to arguments between the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT).

BJP's Reaction

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called Uddhav Thackeray’s last-row seating an insult. He said Uddhav sat in the first row when aligned with the NDA. According to him, respect was always a priority, and the seating arrangement at Rahul Gandhi’s dinner showed how Uddhav was treated in the INDIA Bloc.
Fadnavis also said that Uddhav was shown less respect because he no longer held power.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde further stated that people who gave up self-respect and the values of Bal Thackeray do not object to such treatment. He stated the Congress party's intentions were apparent.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Reaction

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut refuted the BJP's allegations. He stated Uddhav was offered a place to sit in the front row but opted for the back so he could easily view the TV screen.
Aditya Thackeray also had a reaction, saying that the seating choice was optional. He asserted that the actual problem for the BJP leaders was not seating but the subject of the discussion — accusations that the Election Commission colluded with the BJP.

Background

The BJP and Shiv Sena had been in alliance for decades but parted ways following the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections. Eknath Shinde then defected from Uddhav Thackeray and took the support of the BJP, becoming Chief Minister while Devendra Fadnavis became Deputy CM.
In the last assembly elections, Mahayuti alliance led by BJP continued to govern, with Fadnavis as Chief Minister and Shinde as Deputy. Fadnavis recently said that although the BJP will not be in the opposition, Uddhav can come on the ruling side if he so desires.