Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has publicly defended Minister of State Yogesh Kadam, who is facing serious political criticism over alleged ties to a dance bar in Kandivali and illegal sand mining activities in the Dapoli region. Shinde not only dismissed these accusations but also pledged full support from the Shiv Sena.
While speaking at the inauguration of the newly renovated Minatai Thackeray Cultural Centre in Khed taluka, Shinde stated that “Yogesh has no need to worry about these accusations. Shiv Sena and I are firmly with him. He is a dedicated worker, and making baseless allegations or demanding resignation is absolutely wrong.”
Continuing his defense, Shinde took aim at Kadam’s critics. He accused them of hypocrisy, saying, “Those who themselves are looters are now calling others thieves. This won't work.” He stressed that his party's priority remains development, and added, “No matter what conspiracies are played, the Kadam family will always stand strong for the people.”
The occasion was part of a larger celebration to mark the 73rd birthday of senior Shiv Sena leader and former minister Ramdas Kadam, Yogesh Kadam’s father.
Responding to the controversy, Yogesh Kadam made an emotional appeal. He firmly denied any wrongdoing and stressed his commitment to a clean political legacy. “I have never been involved in any wrongdoing, and I never will be,” Kadam said. He added that in his father’s public career of more than three decades, “there was not a single allegation of corruption,” and that he remains dedicated to continuing that legacy.
Former minister Ramdas Kadam also weighed in on the matter. He raised concerns about the way the allegations were introduced in the state assembly. He pointed out that no advance notice had been given under Rule 35 before the accusations were brought up. Questioning the motive behind this move, he asked, “Was this part of a larger plot to malign the ministers in Shinde's cabinet?”
As the issue gains more political attention, Shinde’s firm backing for Kadam reflects his party’s strategy to stand by their ministers. By framing the charges as part of a conspiracy, the Shiv Sena appears determined to project unity and resist pressure from opposition parties.
