Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has said that he has ended ties with the BJP but remains committed to Hindutva, stating defiantly, “Even in death, I will not forsake Hindutva.”
Addressing the Nirdhar Shibir, Thackeray criticised the BJP for its ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ initiative in Bihar, where reportedly 3.2 million Muslims received gifts. “Where was your Hindutva then?” he questioned, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy. “In Maharashtra, they operate under ‘Batenge to Katenge’, but in Bihar, it’s ‘Batenge to Bachenge’,” he added.
Thackeray defended his inclusive governance during his tenure as Maharashtra CM, asserting that it earned him the trust of minorities, which unsettled the BJP. Criticising the BJP for its shifting alliances, he labelled it a party of false narratives, citing its partnerships with Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, and Mehbooba Mufti while questioning Shiv Sena’s commitment to Hindutva.
Regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, Thackeray justified Shiv Sena UBT’s opposition, stressing it was unrelated to Hindutva. He pointed out how the AIADMK initially opposed the bill but later aligned with the BJP, highlighting double standards.
Responding to Amit Shah’s remarks on Shivaji Maharaj, Thackeray insisted that Shivaji’s legacy transcends Maharashtra and urged for his birthday to be a national holiday if truly respected.
He also called for the proposed Shivaji Maharaj memorial in the Arabian Sea to be relocated to Raj Bhavan, criticising the conduct of some Governors. “No one surpasses Shivaji Maharaj. If a Governor doesn’t uphold his role, transfer them and erect the memorial at Raj Bhavan,” he emphasised.
Thackeray concluded by challenging the BJP and RSS to examine their leadership records: “Compile a list of Congress and RSS chiefs—show us how many Dalits or Muslims have led them.”
