Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogavale blamed Rashmi Thackeray’s political interference for the party’s split, prompting UBT leader Vasant More to accuse Gogavale of performing ‘Aghori Puja’ before elections.
June 17, 2025 | Mumbai : The Shiv Sena’s internal rift continues to escalate into a political and personal slugfest. Eknath Shinde faction MLA Bharat Gogavale has made explosive claims that the split in Shiv Sena happened because of Rashmi Thackeray’s increasing interference in party affairs. In response, Uddhav Thackeray faction’s leader Vasant More launched a scathing counterattack, accusing Gogavale of resorting to Aghori rituals to win elections.
In a bold claim, Gogavale said, “When Balasaheb was around, he listened to no one but himself. But Uddhav Thackeray listens to Rashmi Thackeray for political decisions.”
He further alleged that Rashmi Thackeray played a key role in ticket distribution, sidelining senior leaders in favor of Aditya Thackeray, who was made a minister despite lack of seniority. Gogavale also asserted that Eknath Shinde was initially selected for the Chief Minister’s post, but Uddhav changed his decision under family pressure.
In retaliation, Vasant More accused Gogavale of performing Aghori-style puja ahead of the Assembly elections.
“On October 18, 2024, Gogavale conducted rituals with 11 Maharajs at the Baglamukhi Devi Temple in Ujjain and then invited them home for a secretive puja,” More claimed.
He alleged that sadhus from outside Maharashtra were called and that chants of ‘Om Bhat Swaha’ echoed during the ritual. He threatened to file a complaint with Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (ANiS) over superstitious practices being promoted for political gain.
However, Milind Deshmukh of ANIS clarified that this was not an Aghori puja, but rather a ritualistic havan, commonly practiced in households.
More said that video footage of the rituals is with them and has already been shared with media outlets. Despite the backlash, Gogavale has neither denied the ritual nor backed down.
He quipped,
“If Vasant More wants to rise in politics, I’ll even take him to the next puja.”
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