Uddhav Thackeray: BJP’s Attempt to “Steal A Thackeray” as Cousin Meets Amit Shah

Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray took a dig at the BJP today, suggesting that the party is attempting to capitalize on the Thackeray name’s electoral appeal in Maharashtra. His remarks came in light of a recent meeting between Union Minister Amit Shah and Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav’s estranged cousin.

Addressing a gathering in Nanded district, Uddhav Thackeray remarked that the BJP recognizes the significance of the Thackeray legacy in Maharashtra’s politics, as opposed to the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that people in the state predominantly vote in the name of Bal Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena.

“The BJP’s acknowledgment of this reality has led them to seek leaders from outside the party. Initially, they tried to appropriate Bal Thackeray’s image, but it holds no significance,” he subtly alluded, possibly referring to Eknath Shinde, who aligned with the BJP.

Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena witnessed internal divisions over the interpretation of Bal Thackeray’s legacy, with rebel leader Eknath Shinde accusing Uddhav of straying from Bal Thackeray’s Hindutva ideology. Shinde later attributed the split to BJP’s involvement.

“Now, they’re attempting to co-opt another Thackeray… Let them try. My supporters and I are sufficient,” Uddhav Thackeray dismissed his cousin’s political stature and niche appeal.

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The MNS, established in 2006 after the cousins’ fallout, primarily focused on an anti-outsiders platform but has made limited political progress. From 13 assembly seats in 2008, the party now holds only one seat, secured in 2019.

Uddhav Thackeray, aligned with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi and the INDIA bloc, also asserted that even Christians and Muslims find his brand of Hindutva acceptable.

“The Shiv Sena’s reputation suffered when we were allied with the BJP. However, since severing ties, even members of the Christian and Muslim communities have expressed no qualms about our Hindutva ideology,” he emphasized.