Did Uddhav Thackeray Just Fire Back at Fadnavis Over 'Rudali' Remark?

Mumbai, July 7 (NationPress) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Uddhav Thackeray, on Monday criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for labeling his speech at the victory rally as a “rudali.” This rally celebrated the government's decision to retract the introduction of Hindi in Grade 1 within the state.

“They lack genuine supporters to express their sorrow, resorting to bringing in individuals from other parties. I can comprehend Fadnavis' reaction. Those who feel disheartened during the joyous occasions of Marathi people are evidently twisted and malevolent,” Thackeray stated while addressing reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan.

“I understand his (Fadnavis') mindset. The authentic BJP has been extinguished. It has been annihilated by these individuals. They have obliterated the BJP that once had an alliance with the Shiv Sena. The term Rudali is derived from Hindi. They have instigated discord within our party, as well as with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party,” Thackeray remarked.

“They (BJP) lack their own supporters. They need to recruit individuals from other parties. I can perceive Fadnavis' reaction. If they find the joyous moments of Marathi people to be sorrowful, then that is exceedingly twisted and vile,” Thackeray reiterated.

When questioned about the BJP and its allies’ assertion that Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs and legislators are in contact with them, Thackeray responded, “Their unease stems from our (he and Raj Thackeray) collaboration. What can they do?”

Thackeray also took aim at Mumbai BJP chief and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar for equating attacks on non-Marathi speakers in Mumbai to the Pahalgam terror attack. He further criticized BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for suggesting, “You people are surviving on our money. What kind of industries do you have?”

Thackeray countered Shelar and Dubey's comments, stating, “I appreciate all the media in the state; the meeting advocating for Marathi also garnered support from the media. In Mumbai, speakers of other languages coexist with Marathi people with dignity. This has ignited the BJP's base. There are rogues like Dubey, who are attempting to incite chaos.”

“We are not opposed to the language; we oppose the mandatory imposition of Hindi. We, Shiv Sena and our Shiv Sainiks, assist without regard to caste or religion. Those who equate Marathi individuals with terrorists from Pahalgam are the true adversaries of Marathi culture. They cannot even protect Hindus, siding with those who inflict injustice on Marathi people. The original BJP, which once allied with the Shiv Sena, has been destroyed by them. The current BJP recruits from various factions,” Thackeray stated.

“It is disgraceful that such incompetent individuals, who cannot safeguard Hindus and side with those who perpetrate injustice against Marathi people, are regrettably the rulers of Maharashtra,” Thackeray alleged.