On Thursday, Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), alleged that the BJP was trying to scuttle the possible alliance between his party and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) of his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray. These remarks invited piercing counter-comments from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who slammed Uddhav for “abandoning” Hindutva.
Uddhav was addressing his party’s 59th foundation day rally in Mumbai and employed one of his trademark jibes, calling the Shinde-led camp “gadders” (traitors) for splitting from him three years ago and joining the BJP.
Uddhav and Shinde each organized individual rallies to celebrate the Shiv Sena’s foundation day, which was founded by Uddhav’s father Bal Thackeray in 1966, news agency PTI reported. The Sena under Shinde celebrated at NSCI Dome in Worli, and the UBT group assembled at Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion.
Uddhav claimed that clandestine moves were being made to prevent unity between “Marathi parties,” adding that hotel meetings were being organized—a clear reference to Raj Thackeray’s recent meeting with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis at a five-star hotel in Mumbai.
“What is the desire of people will be fulfilled. We will find out how it is possible. BJP and Shinde Sena do not wish Marathi parties to come together. If you attempt to complete the Thackeray brand, we will complete the BJP,” Uddhav declared.
No way will Hindi be forced on the state, Uddhav declares
Uddhav Thackeray vowed to fight any efforts to push Hindi on the state. He made it clear, saying, “Under no circumstances will the imposition of Hindi be tolerated here.” He accused the BJP of trying to drive a wedge between Marathi and Hindi speakers just before the local elections. Despite this, he felt sure his party would hang on to power in Mumbai’s city government.
Taking aim at the BJP-led Mahayuti’s election promises, like a monthly handout of ₹2,100 for women through the Laadki Bahin scheme and forgiving farmers’ loans, Thackeray pointed out that the BJP didn’t keep these vows after the state elections.
He also called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he saw as a changeable attitude towards the opposition. “Remember when the opposition got together as the INDIA group for the national elections? PM Modi called them no better than the terrorist group Indian Mujahideen,” Thackeray reminded everyone.
Then, in a twist, he added, “But after Operation Sindoor, the same PM sent MPs from that very opposition group all over the globe to represent India’s views.”
Thackeray also accused the BJP of being hypocritical in its stance against corruption. “The BJP attacks opposition leaders with corruption allegations, but then welcomed them into the party,” he stated. He pushed for BJP supporters to challenge this practice, emphasizing, “If the true BJP workers have any dignity, they should object to the inclusion of individuals, whom they previously accused of corruption, into their party.”
Eknath Shinde hits back
Reacting to comments made by Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, Eknath Shinde, called him out for craving power. Shinde suggested this was the reason behind Thackeray’s attempts to team up with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). He further claimed that his group remains true to the principles of Shiv Sena’s founder, Bal Thackeray.
Shinde also highlighted the UBT faction’s poor performance in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, where they couldn’t even obtain one-third of the votes his Shiv Sena secured. “Whatever minimal votes they received were only due to the Congress, as the true Shiv Sena supporters have already abandoned them,” he added.
He continued, “Balasaheb Thackeray always stood against Congress, but those hungry for power have aligned with them, showing their desperation. UBT has betrayed the Marathi community, the Shiv Sena voters, and has forsaken the principles of Hindutva.”
Shinde was direct in his personal criticisms, stating, “I have never witnessed a traitor like Uddhav Thackeray who changes his stance as frequently as a chameleon.” He asserted his unwavering commitment to Hindutva, declaring, “I will never compromise on Hindutva for the sake of power.”
Questioning Thackeray’s political associations, Shinde queried, “Why do you avoid calling Balasaheb Hindu Hriday Samrat? You collaborate with those who slander Modi and (Amit) Shah, the very individuals who realized Balasaheb’s dream of building the Ram temple and abolishing Article 370. Why do you side with those who dishonor Savarkar and the Hindu faith?”
Shinde also claimed that Thackeray was acting against the nation’s best interests. He asked him bluntly, “Are you an Indian, or are you working for Pakistan? Pakistan is using your words to undermine India.” He then turned his attention to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating, “Rahul Gandhi is seen as a hero in Pakistan, but here in India, he’s considered worthless.”
Shinde also made fun of the UBT faction’s assertion that they represent the true legacy of the Shiv Sena. “How can a group that was only formed on October 10, 2022, possibly celebrate the Shiv Sena’s 59th anniversary?” he questioned.
