Nashik, April 16 (NationPress) Shiv Sena UBT President Uddhav Thackeray stated on Wednesday that he has parted ways with the BJP, but not with Hindutva, asserting, “Even if I die, I will not abandon Hindutva.”

During his speech at the Nirdhar Shibir, Thackeray criticized the BJP for its Saugat-e-Modi initiative, which involved distributing gifts to 32 lakh Muslims from Bihar in the lead-up to the forthcoming Assembly elections. He questioned, “Where did your Hindutva go at that time?” He highlighted the BJP's contradictory policies, saying, “In Maharashtra, it’s 'Batenge To Katenge’ (will be slaughtered if divided), but in Bihar it’s ‘Batenge To Bachenge’ (if you distribute sweets, you will survive).” He emphasized that during his tenure as Maharashtra's chief minister, he treated everyone equally, which garnered him support from Muslims, causing concern for the BJP.

“The BJP operates on a false narrative. They allied with Nitish Kumar in Bihar and Chandrababu in Andhra. Hence, we have distanced ourselves from the BJP, not Hindutva,” he remarked. Thackeray also defended Shiv Sena’s opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, clarifying that it was unrelated to Hindus.

“The AIADMK in Tamil Nadu opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, yet Amit Shah went to Tamil Nadu and formed an alliance with them within two days. They collaborate with Chandrababu, Nitish Kumar, and Mehbooba Mufti. Their Hindutva is deteriorating. We didn’t go to Pakistan to celebrate Nawaz Sharif's birthday,” he stated.

Thackeray criticized PM Modi for suggesting that Congress should appoint a Muslim president and pointed out that state Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal proposed that the RSS should elect a Dalit leader as the Sarsanghchalak. He challenged them to compile a list of Sarsanghchalaks and Congress chiefs, questioning their backgrounds.

He referenced a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the Raigad fort function, who said, “Don’t limit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Maharashtra; his legacy should be shared nationwide.” In response, Thackeray demanded, “If there is genuine respect for Shivaji Maharaj, declare Shivaji Jayanti a national holiday.”

Moreover, the Shiv Sena UBT leader called for the grand memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, currently planned for the Arabian Sea, to be constructed at the Raj Bhavan, the Maharashtra Governor's official residence.

“No one can surpass Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Supreme Court has criticized the Tamil Nadu Governor. We witnessed the behavior of BS Koshyari (former state Governor). If the individual in that position lacks respect for the Governor's role, then the Supreme Court has upheld the dignity of that position. Relocate the Governor and establish a grand memorial to celebrate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's glorious history at Raj Bhavan. Allocate one bungalow to the Governor and create a memorial in Raj Bhavan,” he concluded.