New Delhi: Shiv Sena (Thackrey faction) leader Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) interpretation of Hindutva, asserting that “Jai Shivaji” must follow “Jai Shri Ram.”
During a rally commemorating Bal Thackeray’s birth anniversary, he criticised the BJP’s “cow urine-based Hindutva” and challenged Home Minister Amit Shah to define his version.
Thackeray emphasised his party’s nationalist Hindutva and hinted at contesting upcoming local body elections independently, echoing his earlier “Ekla Chalo Re” (go alone) slogan. He dared the BJP to conduct elections using ballot papers and warned against betraying Maharashtra under the guise of Hindutva.
These statements follow Sanjay Raut’s announcement of the party contesting local body polls solo, raising concerns about opposition unity. Thackeray also criticised Amit Shah’s remarks about the MVA’s election loss, urging him not to “mess with” his party. “Don’t try to mess with us,” Thackeray said.
He questioned the BJP’s Hindutva by pointing out the incomplete construction of the Ram Temple despite the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony held a year ago. Thackeray urged supporters to chant “Jai Shivrai” alongside “Jai Shri Ram” as a counter-slogan.
Thackrey further criticised the ruling government’s internal disputes over guardian minister positions. “Ministers protest on streets and burn tyres demanding guardian ministers post and such people call themselves sainiks of Balasaheb,” he said, apparently referring to ruling Shiv Sena leader Bharat Gogawale protesting against the guardian ministership of Raigad district given to NCP leader Aditi Tatkare.
