Uddhav Thackeray Signals Solo Campaign for Upcoming Maha Civic Elections
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Synopsis
In a bold move, Uddhav Thackeray has signaled his intention to contest the upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra independently, rejecting alliances with Congress and NCP-SP. He aims to take on former CM Eknath Shinde and the BJP, rallying his supporters for a strong electoral campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Uddhav Thackeray plans to contest independently in the upcoming elections.
- He seeks revenge against Eknath Shinde and the BJP.
- Thackeray emphasized the importance of Marathi pride.
- He accused the BJP of manipulating electoral processes.
- Thackeray reaffirmed his commitment to Hindutva and Marathi identity.
Mumbai, Jan 23 (NationPress) Shiv Sena UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray indicated on Thursday his intention to contest the forthcoming BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections and other civic and local body elections in Maharashtra independently, without forming any alliances with Congress and NCP-SP.
He urged his supporters to prepare themselves, expressing a desire for “revenge” against former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the BJP.
“I seek revenge. From those who betrayed Maharashtra, who betrayed Marathi. That traitor and his leader must not be seen in Maharashtra. If you pledge this, I will certainly decide to fight alone when the moment arrives,” Thackeray stated, launching a strong critique against former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During a rally commemorating the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder late Balasaheb Thackeray, he remarked: “There is overwhelming support to contend independently. Do you have the strength? The elections are yet to be declared. Let's assess your resolve and readiness. Wake up from the delusion you’re in. When you are convinced and prepared, I will make a decision aligned with the wishes of the workers. Anyone who attacks Marathi land, who assaults the embrace of the Marathi mother, that traitor should not be visible. If you’re speaking this with conviction, when the time comes, we will not back down from fighting alone.”
Thackeray accused the Union Home Minister of manipulating state resources, including the Election Commission of India (ECI), to secure electoral victories in Maharashtra. He challenged them to conduct at least one election using ballot papers instead of EVMs.
He reiterated that he remains steadfast in his commitment to Hindutva and Marathi, countering claims made by the BJP and Shinde, asserting that he does not need lessons in Hindutva from the BJP, as he has never retracted any of his past actions.
“Just as we proclaim Jai Shriram, you will need to say Jai Shivray. In Maharashtra, respond Jai Shriram by adding Jai Shivray,” he stated, recalling Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's escape from Agra and his triumphant return.
“We are Hindus. However, our Hindutva does not oppose Maharashtra and Marathi. If you attempt to undermine the pride of Marathi and Maharashtra using Hindutva, we will not stand idly by; we will confront it as a proud Marathi and Hindu,” he declared, emphasizing that his interpretation of Hindutva is pure and forward-looking, unlike that of the BJP.
He also challenged the BJP to remove the green color from its flag.
