Political Tensions Escalate as Thackeray Group Claps Back at Rane's Mockery

The political temperature in Maharashtra has soared once again following a major update in the Disha Salian death case. The Mumbai Police recently submitted a fresh report to the Bombay High Court, reiterating that Disha Salian died by suicide and that there was no evidence of foul play. The report effectively gives a clean chit to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who had long been targeted with allegations by BJP leader and state minister Nitesh Rane.

Though Aaditya Thackeray declined to comment on the report, the issue has reignited political tensions. Despite the conclusions of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Rane continues to cast doubts over Salian’s death and has kept up his accusations.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut responded with sharp criticism, demanding a public apology from Rane, even saying he should "rub his nose in apology" for defaming Thackeray. The matter escalated further when Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Akhil Chitre took to social media to slam Rane with a sarcastic tweet.

The controversy deepened during the ongoing monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, when a video of Nitesh Rane mocking Aaditya Thackeray outside the assembly went viral on social media. In the video, Rane is seen imitating Thackeray, saying, “Come on... let’s go...” in a mocking tone. The act drew criticism from opposition leaders, who accused Rane of degrading the standards of political discourse.

Responding to the video, Akhil Chitre tweeted:
"Tall like a penguin, walks like a duck, and screeches like a chicken... such is the directionless Juhu nibbler — guess who?"
Though Rane wasn't named directly, the reference was widely understood.

Chitre followed up with another tweet after the SIT report:
"After the SIT report in the Disha Salian case, the Juhu nibbler has fallen flat on his face. In the end, truth always prevails. Those throwing mud at Aaditya Saheb will continue to be exposed. You may keep plotting, but Aaditya Thackeray will keep serving the people of Maharashtra."

The Disha Salian case, which had faded from public discourse for some time, is now once again making headlines — not due to new evidence, but due to renewed political mudslinging. Despite the SIT's conclusions, the war of words between the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) shows no signs of slowing down.