Mumbai, Dec 28 (NationPress) The Chief of Shiv Sena-UBT, Uddhav Thackeray, on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of plotting to "eliminate" his party and "consume" Mumbai.

He characterized the forthcoming elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as a crucial struggle for the essence of the state capital, hinting that the Central BJP leadership is attempting to take over the state.

While addressing party cadres and officials, Uddhav Thackeray defended his recent partnership with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) as an essential move for the benefit of the Marathi populace.

The Shiv Sena-UBT leader expressed considerable discontent with individuals who have defected from his party, stating, "Those we nurtured are now betraying us."

"We have fought for this city for years; no one can take Mumbai from us," he proclaimed.

He emphasized, "Right before our eyes, the BJP Central leadership is attempting to consume Mumbai—a city won through the sacrifices of martyrs. If we prioritize personal ambitions and internal disputes, others will exploit the division. None of you should leave. I'm not expressing despair, but I urge you to see it from my perspective."

Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of engaging in transactional politics, asserting that the party has merely "utilized" the Shiv Sena for years.

"The BJP has not only severed the alliance; they are on a mission to annihilate us. Until now, they have just exploited our backing for their own advantage," he observed.

Regarding the strategic collaboration with the MNS, Uddhav Thackeray acknowledged that seat-sharing in an alliance is rarely flawless.

Discussing the sacrifices involved in forming an alliance for the upcoming BMC elections, the Shiv Sena-UBT Chief remarked, "I understand that in alliances or fronts, things don't always proceed according to your desires, nor do they align perfectly with theirs. Some seats that rightfully belong to us must be surrendered out of necessity."

To maintain unity within the Shiv Sena-UBT, Uddhav Thackeray urged his supporters to move beyond internal conflicts.

"If we continue to squabble among ourselves while the BJP's Central leadership is intent on consuming us, then it is better not to engage in this battle at all," he pointed out.

In a heartfelt appeal to Shiv Sena-UBT members, Uddhav Thackeray urged his supporters to stay loyal and not "sell their allegiance."

He accepted personal responsibility for the challenging decisions regarding candidate selection for the upcoming BMC elections.

"I ask the party's Vibhag Pramukhs to allow me to bear the consequences of these decisions. I am prepared to be viewed as the 'villain' for the greater good of Maharashtra, but I cannot afford to lose even one of you to defection," stated Uddhav Thackeray.

Meanwhile, he launched a booklet at the Shiv Sena Bhavan outlining the public service initiatives he undertook during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He urged party cadres to enhance their outreach to voters using these booklets that highlight the party's accomplishments during its tenure in the BMC and the leadership of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in the state.