Did Uddhav's 'Thackeray brand' Comment Ignite a Political Storm in Maharashtra?

Mumbai, July 19 (NationPress) The recent comments made by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray regarding the 'Thackeray brand' and the Election Commission have once again stirred political unrest in Maharashtra. The MahaYuti alliance has accused him of undermining the very legacy he professes to uphold.

In a heated interview with the Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece on Saturday, Thackeray criticized Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the MahaYuti government, asserting, 'Thackeray is not merely a brand; it embodies Maharashtra's identity. Those who are insubstantial rely on the Thackeray name for their survival.'

Thackeray did not hold back in his criticism of the Election Commission, stating, 'The EC may have handed over Shiv Sena's election symbol, but they had no authority to give away its name.'

This prompted an immediate backlash from leaders of the Mahayuti, who interpreted Thackeray's comments as a sign of political 'irrelevance' and a betrayal of the late Balasaheb Thackeray's principles.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC commented to IANS, dismissing the interview as a 'scripted monologue.' She stated, 'Frustration is evident. If Uddhav genuinely wants to communicate, he should speak to someone outside Saamana. Sanjay Raut's inquiries are not journalism -- they're therapy sessions.'

She continued, 'If he were to speak candidly, the truth would surface — regarding the absence of work, a forsaken vision, and the reasons his cadres revolted, joining Eknath Shinde and securing 60 out of 80 seats.'

BJP MLA Ram Kadam accused Uddhav of 'clinging to Rahul Gandhi' and allowing Sharad Pawar to operate him like a 'remote control.'

'By forsaking Balasaheb's Hindutva ideology, Uddhav has nullified his legacy. That’s why true Shiv Sainiks rallied behind Shinde, not him,' Kadam remarked.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also criticized Thackeray, stating, 'Uddhav is behaving like a defeated individual. Out of frustration, he is targeting the Election Commission. He has become politically irrelevant.'

The Shiv Sena (UBT) staunchly defended Thackeray’s remarks, alleging that the Election Commission is acting under the influence of the central government.

Party spokesperson Anand Dubey told IANS, 'Uddhav Thackeray is correct in stating that the EC is functioning as a puppet of the central government. Who authorized the EC to determine the ownership of a party? Shiv Sena was established by Balasaheb and has been carried forward by Uddhav — how can it be given to Shinde?

Dubey labeled the decision as unjust, stating, 'The authentic party is with the workers, not with the defectors. Those who built Shiv Sena with dedication and hard work remain loyal to Uddhav Thackeray.'

'Shiv Sena signifies Thackeray; Thackeray signifies Shiv Sena. We are eager for the case to be presented in court on August 20. We are confident of victory. The EC should operate as an independent entity, not a subordinate,' he concluded.