National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, launched a sharp counter-offensive against Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray after his provocative speech at the annual Dussehra rally at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Mumbai, where he invoked a 'saffron identity' and called for 'regime change'. NDA leaders dismissed the remarks as empty rhetoric that the public would never endorse.

What Thackeray Said at the Dussehra Rally

Addressing a large gathering at the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, Thackeray openly declared his alliance's intent to unseat the current government, arguing that any administration that fails to serve the public must be replaced. He reasserted his party's claim over the saffron symbol, saying, 'Bhagwa (saffron) is our identity; no one can steal our identity.' Thackeray further argued that the saffron flag must fly not only over the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly but also 'on the throne of Delhi.'

BJP's Sharpest Rebuttal

Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ram Kadam alleged that 'the fear of Operation Tiger 3 was clearly visible in Thackeray's speech.' Kadam claimed the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief's repeated invocation of the word 'Bhagwa' and references to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj throughout the address reflected 'deep regret of abandoning Hindutva.' He further alleged 'double standards,' questioning Thackeray's associations with what he described as individuals accused in riot cases and his political alliance with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who Kadam alleged 'repeatedly attacks Sanatan Dharma and links saffron with terrorism.'

Shiv Sena Spokesperson Draws the Balasaheb Contrast

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC targeted Thackeray's ideological position directly, saying: 'Uddhav says that he doesn't want scarf-wearing Hindutva. But in 2019, when he formed an alliance with the Congress, he embraced cap-wearing Hindutva.' She drew a pointed contrast between the late Balasaheb Thackeray and his son: 'Balasaheb Thackeray always urged people to say with pride that they are Hindus, whereas Uddhav Thackeray now advises people to say with pride that they are for regime change. The only difference is that one represents real Hindutva while the other stands for fake secularism,' she alleged.

Milind Deora Objects to Foreign Comparisons

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha member Milind Deora took a separate line of attack, objecting specifically to Thackeray's language comparing India's political situation with countries such as France, Albania, Bangladesh, and Nepal. While acknowledging the constitutional right of every citizen and opposition party to contest elections and criticise the government, Deora alleged: 'The language used to compare things with France, Albania, Bangladesh and Nepal is clearly an attempt to spread anarchy and violence.' He added: 'The people of India will never accept this. If they want to bring about the so-called change, do it through elections, by earning people's vote; not like this.'

The Bigger Picture: Maharashtra's Fractured Saffron Politics

The exchange underscores the deepening battle over Hindutva symbolism and political legitimacy in Maharashtra ahead of state assembly elections. The original Shiv Sena's 2022 split — which placed the party name and 'bow and arrow' symbol with the Eknath Shinde-led faction — left Thackeray's group fighting for ideological and electoral identity. His aggressive reclamation of the saffron narrative at the Dussehra rally is widely seen as an attempt to reassert grassroots credibility. The NDA's swift and coordinated response signals that its constituent parties view the rally as a significant political provocation ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested electoral cycle in the state.