Eknath Shinde Claims Uddhav Thackeray Abandoned Hindutva Over Waqf Bill
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Synopsis
On April 3, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde criticized Uddhav Thackeray for opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025, asserting that it signals Thackeray's abandonment of Hindutva and Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy. Shinde emphasized the implications of this vote for both the Hindu and Muslim communities.
Key Takeaways
- Shinde condemns Thackeray's vote against the Waqf Bill.
- Claims Thackeray has strayed from Hindutva principles.
- Critiques the leadership of Shiv Sena-UBT.
- Emphasizes support for patriotic Muslims.
- Praises the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Mumbai, April 3 (NationPress) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Thursday condemned Shiv Sena-UBT president Uddhav Thackeray for his vote against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025 in the Lok Sabha, asserting that this decision signifies his departure from Hindutva and the principles of Balasaheb Thackeray.
In response to Thackeray's claim that his party's opposition was directed at corruption rather than the bill itself, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde remarked, "Wednesday represented a regrettable moment for Shiv Sena-UBT."
Shinde stated, "By opposing the Waqf, Uddhav has committed a graver offense than the compromises he made for power in 2019."
He pointed out, "The leadership of Shiv Sena-UBT has reached a point where if you grasp them, they bite, but if you release them, they flee."
Shinde quipped, "Uddhav Thackeray refers to me as my initials ESS (Eknath Sambhaji Shinde); should I refer to him as UT (Uddhav Thackeray) (Use and Throw)?"
He added that the public is aware that Uddhav has been "betraying" both the Hindu and Muslim communities, evident from the results of the 2024 Assembly elections.
Taking a jab at Uddhav, he noted, "Balasaheb Thackeray endorsed patriotic Muslims. Both Shiv Sena and BJP uphold this approach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares this stance. We support Muslims who are devoted to the nation. We oppose anyone engaging in anti-national activities. This principle is upheld by the BJP via the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. However, the Shiv Sena-UBT leader seems uncertain about his course of action."
Shinde further asserted, "When the leadership of a party is uncertain, it becomes part of history," intensifying his criticism of Thackeray.
He remarked, "During the Congress period, lands were denotified and allocated to a select few. Such actions will not occur now. These lands will be allocated for hospitals, schools, and public projects," praising the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.
