Synopsis
On February 8, Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena-UBT, challenged Eknath Shinde to orchestrate a split in his party without using government resources. He firmly stated that such attempts would be met with resistance and emphasized the need for unity among the Marathi community.Key Takeaways
- Thackeray dares Shinde to split Shiv Sena-UBT without government help.
- He dismisses rumors of MPs leaving the party.
- There are concerns about the BMC's financial state and potential privatization.
- Thackeray calls for unity among the Marathi Manoos.
- He supports Rahul Gandhi's doubts over election integrity.
Mumbai, Feb 8 (NationPress) Shiv Sena-UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray challenged Eknath Shinde, the chief of Shiv Sena, to orchestrate a split within his party without using government resources like the CBI and the ED. He asserted that the party will vigorously counter any such maneuvers. Thackeray dismissed rumors of six out of nine MPs defecting to Shiv Sena, affirming their loyalty to the party.
“If he has the courage to fracture Shiv Sena UBT, let him proceed without leveraging government apparatus including CBI and ED. Their attempts to instigate division will be thwarted. Nine MPs have vowed to uphold their bond with the party,” he stated while unveiling the performance report of the opposition leader in the state council, Ambadas Danve, regarding his legislative and political efforts.
This declaration followed the alleged launch of Operation Tiger by Shiv Sena aimed at fragmenting Shiv Sena-UBT.
Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant previously suggested that six of the nine MPs from Shiv Sena UBT might switch allegiance.
Shinde claimed that all MPs remain in his communication.
Thackeray emphasized the need to counteract those spreading division rumors, noting that such actions are intended to alienate him, especially since he refuses to yield to any pressure.
He urged the Marathi Manoos to stay united against efforts by the BJP-led coalition to divide and dominate.
“Betrayers will always remain betrayers as history will not commemorate them. The lifespan of traitors is brief, while steadfast Shiv Sainiks will remain committed to defending against injustice until their last breath,” he declared.
Thackeray mentioned that he has distanced himself from the BJP but not from Hindutva. “Isn’t the Marathi Manoos a Hindu? The slogan 'Batenge To Katenge' introduced by the BJP during the assembly elections was not meant to divide Hindus and Muslims but to divide the Marathi Manoos,” he asserted.
He reiterated that the unity of the Marathi Manoos is crucial at this moment. Thackeray vowed to prevent Delhi from exerting influence over Mumbai, the nation's financial hub. He criticized the state government for delaying elections for the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, stating that its financial health is deteriorating.
“Under Shiv Sena's leadership, the BMC had fixed deposits worth Rs 93,000 crore, which have now dwindled to Rs 80,000 crore under administrator rule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi once remarked that development is achieved through spending, not by retaining funds in fixed deposits. The decline in fixed deposits alongside liabilities amounting to Rs 2.30 lakh crore highlights the grim financial state. The BMC will require nearly 23 years to settle these debts,” he claimed.
He also criticized the push to privatize BMC-operated hospitals due to funding shortages. “Could they privatize the BMC? Will you permit this?” he queried of party members.
Thackeray backed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who expressed skepticism about the assembly election results and the sudden surge of 39 lakh votes within five months, particularly following the general elections.
“The BJP-led MahaYuti has stolen our victory. We must persist in our struggle against it. Despite their majority achieved through governmental manipulation, we remain the champions in the hearts of the people,” he concluded.
