Uddhav Thackeray assaults BJP; Eknath Shinde hits again, accuses him of abandoning Hindutva

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday accused the BJP of trying to derail a possible alliance between his celebration and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray. The remarks drew a pointy response from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who hit again by accusing Uddhav of “abandoning” Hindutva. Both Uddhav and Shinde held separate rallies to mark the Shiv Sena’s basis day, which was established by Uddhav’s father Bal Thackeray in 1966. Uddhav was talking at his celebration’s 59th basis day rally in Mumbai and used one among his frequent barbs, referring to the Shinde-led faction as “gaddars” (traitors) for breaking away from him three years in the past and aligning with the BJP. Both Uddhav and Shinde held separate rallies to mark the Shiv Sena’s basis day, which was established by Uddhav’s father Bal Thackeray in 1966, information company PTI reported. The Shinde-led Sena celebrated at NSCI Dome in Worli, whereas the UBT faction gathered at Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion. Uddhav alleged that behind-the-scenes efforts had been underway to dam unity amongst “Marathi parties,” saying that conferences had been being held at accommodations—an obvious reference to Raj Thackeray’s current interplay with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis at a five-star resort in Mumbai. “What folks need will occur. We will see how it’s to be executed. The BJP and Shinde Sena are not looking for Marathi events to unite. If you attempt to end the Thackeray model, we are going to end off the BJP,” Uddhav mentioned. Imposition of Hindi within the state is not going to be allowed at any value: UddhavUddhav Thackeray mentioned that any makes an attempt to impose Hindi within the state can be strongly opposed. “The imposition of Hindi in the state will not be allowed at any cost. The BJP wants to create a divide among Marathi and Hindi-speakers on the eve of civic polls,” he mentioned, expressing confidence that his celebration would retain management of Mumbai’s civic physique. Criticising the BJP-led Mahayuti’s ballot manifesto, which included guarantees comparable to month-to-month help of ₹2,100 for ladies underneath the Laadki Bahin scheme and mortgage waivers for farmers, Thackeray mentioned the BJP had didn’t ship on these commitments after the meeting polls.  He additionally hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging inconsistency in his stance in the direction of the opposition. “When the opposition contested the Lok Sabha polls by forming the INDIA group, PM Narendra Modi compared the opposition bloc to the terror outfit Indian Mujahideen,” Thackeray mentioned, including, “after Operation Sindoor, Modi sent MPs of the same opposition bloc all over the world to present India’s stand.” Thackeray additional alleged hypocrisy within the BJP’s anti-corruption stand. “The BJP maligns opposition leaders with corruption charges, and then inducts them into the party,” he mentioned. He urged BJP loyalists to talk out in opposition to this pattern: “If ‘original’ BJP workers have any self-respect, they should oppose the entry of people, whom they had accused of corruption in the past, in their party.” Eknath Shinde respondsResponding to Uddhav Thackeray’s criticism, Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde accused him of being power-hungry and mentioned that’s why he was now in search of an alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Shinde asserted that his faction continues to function in keeping with the ideology of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. Shinde additionally identified that within the 2024 Maharashtra meeting elections, the UBT faction didn’t safe even one-third of the votes that his Shiv Sena acquired. “Whatever votes they got was because of the Congress as the real Shiv Sena voters have bid them good bye,” he mentioned. He additional mentioned, “Balasaheb Thackeray opposed Congress, but those desperate for power aligned with that party as they are desperate for power. UBT has betrayed the Marathi people, Shiv Sena voters and have abandoned Hindutva.” Shinde didn’t maintain again on his private assaults, saying, “I have never seen a betrayer like Uddhav Thackeray who changes colours like a chameleon.” He reaffirmed his dedication to Hindutva, saying, “I will never compromise on Hindutva for power.” Challenging Thackeray’s political alliances, Shinde requested, “Why do you hesitate to call Balasaheb as Hindu Hriday Samrat? You join hands with those who abuse Modi and (Amit) Shah who fulfilled Balasaheb’s dream of Ram temple and abolishing Article 370. Why do you sit with those who abuse Savarkar and Hindu religion?” Shinde additionally accused Thackeray of harming nationwide pursuits: “Are you Indian or are you a Pakistani agent? Pakistan uses your statements against India,” he mentioned, straight addressing Thackeray. He took a dig at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi as effectively, saying, “Rahul Gandhi has become a hero in Pakistan but is a zero in India.” Mocking the UBT faction’s declare to Shiv Sena’s legacy, Shinde mentioned, “How can a group formed on October 10, 2022, celebrate the Shiv Sena’s 59th foundation day?”