Is Their Love Immortal While Others Face Love Jihad? Uddhav Thackeray Critiques BJP on Interfaith Matters

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Thackeray criticizes BJP's exploitation of social issues.
- Alleges double standards on interfaith relationships.
- Calls for financial aid to farmers affected by natural disasters.
- Accuses BJP of promoting division for electoral gains.
- Supports climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Pune, Oct 4 (NationPress) Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday accused the BJP of exploiting social issues for political and electoral advantages while neglecting genuine governance failures.
“If BJP does it, it's immortal love; if others do, it's love jihad. How is that fair?” remarked Thackeray during a press conference, criticizing the BJP for its inconsistent stance on interfaith relationships.
He further condemned the BJP for its selective Hindutva approach and alleged that it fosters division between Hindus and Muslims only when it benefits its electoral strategies, conveniently setting aside these issues when forming power alliances.
“We faced backlash for our alliance with Congress. Are Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu pro-Hindutva?” he questioned, pointing out the BJP's distribution of Saugat-e-Modi kits to 32 lakh Muslims while still claiming to uphold Hindutva.
Thackeray also took a shot at RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, stating that the RSS's historical misdeeds are now a burden on the nation. He accused the BJP, being the political arm of the RSS, of transforming India into a “Hindu Pakistan” by prioritizing authoritarianism over inclusive growth.
He inquired if Bhagwat is “happy with the poisonous fruits” (BJP) stemming from the RSS's century-long endeavors.
Thackeray vehemently criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led administration for neglecting the catastrophic situation in Maharashtra caused by heavy rains and floods.
He accused PM Modi, while focusing on the Bihar elections, of offering Rs 10,000 to Bihar women while completely ignoring farmers affected by natural disasters.
He demanded a full crop loan waiver and immediate financial support of Rs 50,000 per hectare to aid farmers in recovery.
Thackeray asserted that there is no link between the BJP and effective governance, alleging widespread corruption in various institutions, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. He declared that after winning the upcoming BMC elections, his party will publish a white paper detailing the BJP's corrupt practices.
Thackeray reiterated his support for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and criticized the BJP-led government for his arrest, condemning the party for labeling Wangchuk as “anti-national.”
Thackeray claimed that he and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena are united in their pursuit of Marathi pride in the future, hinting at a potential alliance for the forthcoming BMC elections.
Regarding local elections, he stated, “Whoever wants to fight separately can, but we will move unitedly with MVA partners - Congress, NCP - in Pune and beyond.”