Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray took a historical turn during a party convention in Nashik, invoking the tale of Vali from the epic Ramayana to criticize Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whom he accused of betraying the party.
Drawing parallels between narratives
Addressing the gathering, Thackeray urged Shivsainiks to pledge to “politically eliminate” those he deemed as traitors. Drawing parallels to the Ramayana narrative, he drew attention to the episode where Lord Ram killed the Vanar king Vali, alleging a similar betrayal within Shiv Sena. Thackeray called for a commitment to politically defeat those who have allegedly deserted the party and betrayed its saffron ideals.
Comparing the political landscape to the Ramayana, where Vali is said to have taken control of his brother Sugriva’s kingdom, Thackeray asserted that Shivsainiks would expose the hidden agendas of those wearing the masks of “Ravanas pretending to be Lord Ram.”
In a veiled swipe at the BJP, Thackeray emphasized that Lord Ram is not the exclusive property of any single party, warning against attempts to make “BJP-mukt Shri Ram.”
Addressing the internal rift caused by Shinde’s rebellion in 2022, Thackeray asserted his legitimate inheritance of the party from his father, the late Bal Thackeray. Denying accusations of theft, he acknowledged the party and its members as his wealth, acknowledging a political dynasty.
Criticism towards PM
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thackeray criticized him for not visiting Ayodhya during his first term, despite global travels. He accused the BJP of filing false cases against Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, vowing to initiate inquiries and imprisonment upon coming to power.
Thackeray also called for an investigation into the PM Cares Fund, alleging it to be a source of scams. Defending Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance with Congress, he dismissed claims of becoming ‘Congresswasi,’ highlighting the party’s three-decade-long association with the BJP and questioning their loyalty.
In a broader critique, Thackeray accused the RSS of not participating in the freedom struggle and claimed they are now attempting to undermine the country’s independence. The speech covered various aspects of political history and current affairs, drawing connections between ancient narratives and contemporary politics
