Addressing internal discord within Shiv Sena on the party’s 60th anniversary, Uddhav Thackeray, the party chief, refuted claims of power hunger and vowed to relinquish his position if grassroots workers wish. Thackeray’s emotional plea emphasized his commitment to the party’s values over personal ambition.
In response to the rebellion by six Lok Sabha MPs, Thackeray criticized their pursuit of ministerial positions through clandestine negotiations, contrasting it with his loyalty to the party’s core workers. By entrusting his leadership to the Sainiks, he aimed to fortify his bond with the party’s traditional supporters ahead of Mumbai’s crucial municipal elections.
During Shiv Sena’s Foundation Day rally, Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the faction led by Eknath Shinde, denouncing the reported split within his camp. Expressing regret over the defection of elected representatives, he questioned their motives and defended his family against targeted criticism.
Thackeray defended his tenure as Chief Minister, attributing it to the BJP’s betrayal, and challenged the selective scrutiny faced by his family. Criticizing political defections driven by monetary gains, he highlighted the neglect of Maharashtra’s agricultural sector and criticized the government’s policies on crop loan waivers and welfare schemes.
