Maharashtra CM Taking Over 50 People To Davos Junket, Says Aaditya Thackeray; ‘Does MEA Know?’

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday levelled a massive charge against Eknath Shinde.

A former minister in the Uddhav Thackeray cabinet, Aaditya claimed that the Maharashtra chief minister is taking over 50 people with him to the Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland without the clearance of Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

According to Aaditya, even the national delegation is not this big and even if some of this huge group pay for their own travel, they will use cars, hotels and food paid by taxpayers.

“Is the @FinMinIndia and @MEAIndia aware of this junket and has political clearance been given to this 70+ group? All 50 should typically need political clearance as they represent formal agencies of the Govt of Maharashtra, therefore Govt of India,” Aaditya posted on X.

It was said earlier that CM Shinde, Industry minister Uday Samant and a 10-member delegation will be attending the WEF, scheduled from January 15 to 19.

The number goes up to over 70 as spouses and kids are also being taken on a holiday, alleged Uddhav’s son.

“While it is understood that only about 10 have sought the MEA’s necessary political clearance as a delegation, the rest are being taken along for this Swiss trip, without even applying for the MEA’s clearance apparently,” Aaditya wrote.

“This holiday for the 75 people includes the likes of a current MP, a former MP (both whose roles in Davos summit are not specified), some publicists from private agencies, a whole battery of PAs to CM and DCM, OSDs of the CM, PSs (shown on various govt agency names), brokers and dealers, and then 4 from MMRDA, 8 from MAHAPREIT!! The list of the staff of the cm including PA, PS and @CMOMaharashtra is 20! Unless it’s for picking up someone’s bags, or sight seeing, or some physical work, what will 50 people do at Davos where they will only sign MoUs?” Aaditya added.

For the record, MahaPreit is Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited, while MMRDA is Mumbai Metropolitan Religion Development Authority.