India

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.

Also read: BJP Challenges Rahul Gandhi: “Have Courage to Use Derogatory Terms for Other Religions Amid Shakti Row”

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.

Kavya Bhatt

Recent Posts

Uttar Pradesh Government Approves Major Connectivity Projects During Maha Kumbh

CM Yogi Adityanath's government has approved key connectivity projects to boost Uttar Pradesh's infrastructure for…

3 hours ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Speaks To CM Fadnavis On Jalgaon Train Tragedy

Several passengers were reportedly killed, and 30-40 others injured when passengers of the Pushpak Express,…

3 hours ago

Prayagraj Transforms Into Spiritual Hub With Iconic Temple Replicas During Maha Kumbh

Under CM Yogi, Prayagraj has become a city of temples, offering pilgrims replicas of India's…

3 hours ago

Yogi Government Approves Transformative Projects During Maha Kumbh Cabinet Meeting

During Maha Kumbh, CM Yogi Adityanath's Cabinet approved transformative projects for Uttar Pradesh's development.

3 hours ago

WEF Davos Summit: Maha Govt Signs MoU With RIL For Rs 3.05 Lakh Cr Investment

The Maharashtra government and Reliance Industries signed a monumental MoU worth ₹3.05 lakh crore at…

3 hours ago

Yogi Cabinet Approves Key Proposals To Boost Development & Employment In Uttar Pradesh

In a Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath, the UP govt approved 10 major…

4 hours ago