Why is Eknath Shinde Criticizing Uddhav Thackeray?
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Synopsis
Eknath Shinde's bold remarks against Uddhav Thackeray during the Shiv Sena anniversary highlight the political tensions in Maharashtra. Shinde's critique of Thackeray's perceived betrayal of Hindutva and the Marathi people raises questions about the future of Shiv Sena's leadership and electoral strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Eknath Shinde criticized Uddhav Thackeray for abandoning Hindutva.
- Shinde claimed the Thackeray camp has a low strike rate ahead of the elections.
- Allegations of betrayal against the Marathi people were prominent in Shinde's speech.
- Shinde emphasized the importance of remaining committed to Hindutva.
- The political rivalry could reshape Maharashtra's electoral dynamics.
Mumbai, June 19 (NationPress) Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena UBT, on Thursday, questioning the rationale behind his comments, stating, 'why to kill a dead person'.
Shinde asserted, “The people of Maharashtra have defeated you (Uddhav Thackeray) in the Assembly elections” during his speech at the Shiv Sena anniversary event. He accused Thackeray of abandoning Hindutva in pursuit of power, claiming that as elections approach, Thackeray is suddenly recalling his connections with the Hindutva ideology and the Marathi populace.
Continuing his critique, Shinde charged that the Marathi population was betrayed in 2019 when Thackeray allied with the Congress and NCP to form the Maharashtra government. “We know who sinned by forming an alliance with the Congress, which Balasaheb Thackeray opposed all his life. We also know who displayed desperation for power. They betrayed the Marathi people in 2019. They betrayed Maharashtra. Even a lizard changes color. But Maharashtra has seen a lizard change color rapidly,” he alleged.
Shinde remarked that the Thackeray faction's strike rate in the upcoming 2024 assembly elections stands at a mere 23 percent. “Voters have already bid farewell to the Thackeray group. While we possess confidence, they exude arrogance. This arrogance is leading them toward their downfall,” he proclaimed.
He questioned Thackeray's claim of not abandoning Hindutva, asking, “Then why does your tongue hesitate when referring to Balasaheb Thackeray as a Hindu Hridayasramat? Why do you associate with those who insult Hinduism and disrespect Swatantryaveer Savarkar?”
Shinde further challenged, “Is it your Hindutva to equate traitors with patriots? Is it your Hindutva to imprison those who recite 'Hanuman Chalisa'? Balasaheb envisioned building a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Balasaheb used to say, ‘make me the Prime Minister, and I will accomplish both.’ Who fulfilled these aspirations? Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah did. You berate those who realized Balasaheb's dreams while singing the Congress tune. What kind of Hindutva is this?”
Shinde elaborated, “He (Uddhav Thackeray) became desperate for the Chief Minister's position. Will he embody Balasaheb Thackeray's ideologies? Balasaheb lost his voting rights for Hindutva, yet he never relinquished it. Those who claim to be Balasaheb's heirs accepted power-driven helplessness. Maharashtra bears witness to this. If Balasaheb were alive, he would not have tolerated such actions,” he emphasized.
He concluded that Uddhav Thackeray's helplessness stems from his betrayal of Hindutva and the Marathi community.
“However, we vow to uphold Hindutva until our last breath. Some remember the people only when elections approach. They suddenly recall the Marathi community. Voters will ensure they understand their place. What did you achieve for the Marathi populace after Balasaheb? Account for it. Due to your inaction, Marathi citizens in Mumbai have moved to Virar and Nallasopara. It is well-known who held power in Mumbai for the past 20 years,” Shinde stated.
Point of View
It's crucial to focus on the implications of Shinde's remarks. His assertions highlight ongoing tensions within the Shiv Sena and raise questions about leadership, ideology, and the future electoral prospects of both factions. The narrative is not just about personal rivalries but also about the broader political strategies at play.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Eknath Shinde's main criticisms of Uddhav Thackeray?
Eknath Shinde criticized Uddhav Thackeray for allegedly abandoning Hindutva for political power and accused him of betraying the Marathi people by forming alliances with Congress and NCP.
What did Shinde say about the upcoming elections?
Shinde mentioned that the Thackeray camp's strike rate for the upcoming assembly elections was only 23 percent, suggesting that voters have turned away from the Thackeray group.
How did Shinde compare Thackeray to other political figures?
Shinde compared Thackeray's alliance with Congress to a betrayal of Balasaheb Thackeray's ideologies and criticized him for associating with those who disrespect Hinduism.
What is the significance of Shinde's remarks in the context of Maharashtra politics?
Shinde's remarks reflect the deepening factionalism within Shiv Sena and the ongoing struggle for ideological and political dominance, especially with elections approaching.
What are the potential consequences of this political feud?
This feud could significantly impact voter sentiment and the electoral strategies of both factions within Shiv Sena, possibly altering Maharashtra's political landscape.
