Shiv Sena did not become BJP in 30 years, how can it become Congress: Uddhav Thackeray

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray asserted on Saturday that despite over three decades of alliance with the BJP, Shiv Sena has managed to retain its identity. He also dismissed any possibility of the party aligning with the Congress, emphasizing that Shiv Sena’s principles remain firmly intact. Thackeray, who now leads the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, made these statements at a rally in Hingoli, where he was campaigning for Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidates from the Kalmanuri, Hingoli, and Wasmat constituencies, ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra elections on November 20.

Thackeray was responding to criticism from BJP leaders, who claimed that the Shiv Sena, under his leadership, had become a ‘second version’ of the Congress. He refuted these allegations, clarifying that while Shiv Sena had been a long-time ally of the BJP, it had never compromised its core ideology. “Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah come here and accuse us (Shiv Sena-UBT) of abandoning the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. I have not abandoned that ideology; I’ve only left the BJP. The BJP does not respect Bal Thackeray’s values,” Thackeray remarked. He further asserted, “How can Shiv Sena turn into Congress? We have been in alliance with Congress for a while now, but despite 25-30 years of association, Shiv Sena has never become the BJP. How then, can we transform into Congress?”

Thackeray’s comments came after he broke ties with the BJP in 2019 and formed a government with Congress and the NCP, which was later dissolved following the revolt led by current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He reiterated the importance of unity within the Maha Vikas Aghadi and said, “We have always believed in this alliance, and we will continue to strengthen it. The BJP will be defeated by staying united.”

In a reference to Maharashtra’s economic situation, Thackeray pointed to the recent inauguration of the Tata Airbus project in Gujarat. He suggested that large-scale industrial projects were being shifted from Maharashtra to Gujarat under the current government. Thackeray criticized this shift, claiming that it was detrimental to Maharashtra’s growth. He also recounted a personal experience involving the sitting MLA and candidate from Kalmanuri, Santosh Bangar. Thackeray said that Bangar, who had been a part of the Shiv Sena under his leadership, had met him during the coronavirus pandemic, when he was unwell, and was seen crying. “The next day, he left for the Shinde camp,” Thackeray added, referring to the factional split in the Shiv Sena in June 2022.

Thackeray reminisced about his tenure as Chief Minister, during which Maharashtra was praised for its effective handling of the pandemic. He emphasized that despite claims to the contrary, he had been actively involved in managing the crisis. “Maharashtra was number one in taking care of its people during the pandemic. Some people claim I stayed at home, but I was working tirelessly for the welfare of the state,” Thackeray said, calling out those who criticized him without understanding the efforts behind his leadership.

Touching on economic issues, Thackeray expressed concerns over the sharp decline in soybean prices, which had fallen from Rs 10,000 to Rs 3,500 per quintal during his tenure. He also mentioned the delayed cotton procurement process and the ongoing struggles of farmers. On the topic of the Shinde-led government’s women’s welfare scheme, “Ladki Behan Yojana,” Thackeray criticized the BJP for failing to fulfill its promises. “The BJP once promised Rs 15 lakh in every person’s bank account, but now their coalition is offering only Rs 1,500. If they come to power again, it will be reduced to 15 paise, proving their promises are nothing but empty words.”

Thackeray vowed that if the Maha Vikas Aghadi forms the next government, it would push for a proposal to remove the 50% cap on reservations for Maratha communities and send it to the central government. “Those in Delhi can resolve this issue,” he added, acknowledging the growing demand among Maratha leaders for expanded reservation limits.

As the election nears, the political tension between the two major alliances, Maha Vikas Aghadi and the ruling Mahayuti, is intensifying. With voters set to head to the polls on November 20, the stakes are high for the state’s future leadership.