The political atmosphere in Maharashtra is charged following a dinner meeting of the INDIA bloc in Delhi, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray was seen seated in the last row. This seating arrangement has become a focal point for criticism from the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, who accuse Thackeray of compromising his self-respect and abandoning the ideals of his father, Bal Thackeray.

Leading the offensive, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that during the Shiv Sena's alliance with the NDA, Uddhav Thackeray was always given a prominent seat in the front row. Fadnavis remarked that it is now evident how much respect Thackeray receives within the INDIA bloc. He further added that Thackeray used to say he would not bow before Delhi, but his current situation, now that he is out of power, is a stark contrast. Maharashtra Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar went so far as to call it "an insult to Maharashtra" that Uddhav Thackeray was made to sit in the last row. The Maharashtra BJP also posted a screenshot from the meeting, showing the Thackerays and Raut seated in the last row, with the caption "Find self-respect in this picture!".

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whose rebellion in 2022 led to the collapse of Thackeray's government, mocked his former boss, saying that the Congress party has ultimately shown the Thackerays their place. Shinde stated that those who forsake self-pride and abandon Bal Thackeray's ideals would not be bothered by such an insult. Echoing the Chief Minister's sentiments, Shinde added, "When you set aside your self-respect, you don't feel anything. Congress must have shown him his place. I don't wish to speak about it". Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske pointed out that not only Uddhav Thackeray but also his son Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut were relegated to the back benches, which he says shows what the Congress thinks of them.

In response to the criticism, Sanjay Raut, a prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, dismissed the claims of humiliation, clarifying that Thackeray chose to sit in the back for better visibility of a presentation being displayed on a screen. Raut also claimed that the BJP is stuck on who sat where, and are making baseless allegations without understanding the reality. He further mentioned that the Thackeray family was personally invited to Rahul Gandhi's home and given a detailed tour. Aaditya Thackeray also responded, stating that the seating arrangement was not an issue, and the real issue was what Rahul Gandhi had exposed. He took a swipe at Shinde, suggesting that some people "jostle" to sit in the front row, hinting at the apparent power dynamics between Fadnavis and Shinde. Shiv Sena legislator Manisha Kayande said that there was a time when top leaders of the BJP used to visit the Thackerays at Matoshree and now Uddhav Thackeray has to go to Delhi and is made to sit in the last row. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule called the criticism "childish" and said that there was no protocol in the informal meeting.

The controversy has sparked protests and political backlash in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena organized a "protest march" at the Dadar memorial of Balasaheb Thackeray, with party workers seeking forgiveness from the late leader on behalf of Uddhav Thackeray. The BJP maintains that the incident reflects the INDIA bloc's disregard for Uddhav Thackeray and his party. BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhaye said that when Uddhav Thackeray and his Sena were in alliance with the BJP, they always gave them the pride of place, but at the INDIA bloc meeting, Rahul Gandhi forced Uddhavji to sit on the back bench, thereby insulting him.