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The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief is in Delhi to attend the INDIA bloc meeting
Raj Thackeray with Uddhav at Matoshree | Image: News18
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is in the national capital for the crucial INDIA bloc meeting, the first in-person gathering of the opposition bloc since the Lok Sabha elections. The two-day visit has also seen him meeting key leaders and voicing strong opinions on national issues—all while staying tight-lipped about one name that sparks maximum curiosity: Raj Thackeray.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Uddhav was asked if the MNS chief would be discussed during the alliance meetings. His response was brief but telling: “We are brothers. Others don’t need to discuss us.”
With that one sentence, he put a lid on growing speculation around a possible political understanding—or fallout—between the two Thackerays. The INDIA bloc meeting is being held at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s residence. It’s the first face-to-face strategy session post the Lok Sabha results.
Uddhav Thackeray, who arrived in Delhi on Wednesday, met NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Day 1 of his visit. The two leaders reportedly discussed the future roadmap for Maharashtra and the role of the INDIA bloc ahead of upcoming civic elections. When asked further about Raj Thackeray, Uddhav declined to elaborate, simply stating, “We will talk about that in Mumbai.”
Uddhav also used the platform to question the Modi government’s decisions on multiple national matters. He raised concerns over the sudden removal of the Vice President, saying, “Why was he abruptly removed? Where is he now? That should be discussed first.” He also targeted the Centre over foreign policy and citizenship laws, alleging that an “undeclared CAA-NRC” is already being implemented through the backdoor. Referring to voter list revisions in Bihar, Thackeray asked, “Is this a soft launch of NRC? People are being asked to prove their identity. Isn’t that how NRC and CAA were to be implemented?”
Uddhav further slammed the decision to not use VVPATs (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails) in upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra. He questioned the logic behind holding polls without a verifiable trail. “What’s the point of voting if we can’t see where our vote is going?” he asked. Thackeray also confirmed that Rahul Gandhi has invited INDIA leaders for dinner on Thursday as part of the alliance’s coordination efforts.
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa… Read More
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