Mumbai, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) criticized both the BJP and Shiv Sena leadership in Maharashtra on Tuesday for failing to publicly denounce the “treasonous” remarks made by Annamalai and Kripashankar Singh, which disrespected the courage and self-worth of Maharashtra. The party cautioned that the Marathi populace has registered a “serious note” of this perceived cowardice and the government's neglect in safeguarding the state's honor.

The Thackeray faction took issue with BJP leader Annamalai's assertion during a public gathering that Mumbai does not belong to Maharashtra, questioning the city's ties to the state, while former Minister Kripashankar Singh declared that a Hindi-speaking individual will assume the role of Mumbai Mayor.

In a fierce editorial published in their party organ 'Saamana', the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena accused the Fadnavis-Shinde administration of tarnishing the dignity of Maharashtra. They pointed out a perceived “cowardice” within the ruling coalition, specifically targeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alleging that the administration is compliant to the BJP's central leadership, having “hoisted the white flag of surrender”.

The editorial condemned the corrupt politics of the Fadnavis-Shinde duo, which continues to undermine the Marathi language, culture, and pride. It is alarming to witness any “Tom, Dick, or Harry” arriving in Mumbai, disrespecting Maharashtra, while the Marathi rulers endorse such behavior.

The piece expressed rising concerns regarding the systematic decline of Marathi pride and identity under the Fadnavis-Shinde regime, stating that the silence of the Mahayuti alliance government amounts to a betrayal of the state's heritage.

“The bond between the BJP and Marathi pride never truly existed. However, those who believed themselves to be “diamonds” within the Shiv Sena have now dulled by associating with “bedbugs”. What else can we call the leaders and their supporters who fail to voice even a modest protest against the anti-Maharashtra remarks from Kripashankar and Annamalai, if not “impotent”? Just as one might wave a white flag of surrender, these individuals have raised the flag of impotence, thereby insulting the courage and dignity of Maharashtra,” articulated the editorial.

It accused the leadership of the Mahayuti alliance of placing political alliances above the safeguarding of Marathi culture and language.

The editorial also suggested that the BJP's tactics involve generating discord between the Tamil community and the Shiv Sena for political advantage. It highlighted how Tamil Nadu leaders, regardless of whether from the DMK or AIADMK, have always honored regional identities and stood alongside Maharashtra in previous battles, including opposition to the forced imposition of Hindi.

Focusing on Deputy CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, the editorial remarked, “Amit Shah has formed a cowardly faction that hesitates to confront individuals like Annamalai. These individuals profess to be heirs of Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology. If they were genuinely his successors while holding positions of power, they would not have permitted Annamalai to leave Mumbai unchallenged, allowing such insults to Maharashtra to go unchecked. Instead, by aligning with the BJP and others, they have completely abandoned their Marathi identity.”