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Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to divide Hindus and impose Hindi in Mumbai, saying those Hindi-speaking people ‘we protected are now being turned against us’.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray (Image: PTI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray signalled a possible alliance with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Stressing Marathi pride as part of his messaging strategy, Thackeray made an appeal for unity among Marathi-speaking voters.
“What’s in your heart, what’s in Maharashtra’s heart—I’m ready to do that,” Thackeray declared, remarks that are seen as his openness to a strategic tie-up with the MNS to consolidate Marathi votes in Mumbai, which remains one of the most politically significant civic bodies in the country.
Calling the BMC election a “battle for the soul of Mumbai,” he reminded the audience of the sacrifices made during the Samyukta Maharashtra movement to include Mumbai in the state.
“This is not just my fight or my party. It’s the fight of every Marathi who gave their blood for Mumbai in 1960,” he said.
Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he alleged that a deliberate effort was underway to prevent the unity of Marathi forces.
“Some people don’t want the strength of the Marathi manoos to come together,” he said.
“If you try to erase Balasaheb Thackeray’s brand from Mumbai, we will wipe your name off Maharashtra’s land. We will erase BJP’s identity,” he added.
He further accused the BJP of attempting to divide Hindus and impose Hindi in Mumbai. “Try enforcing Hindi, Devendra. Those Hindi-speaking people we protected in 1993 are now being turned against us,” he said.
Notably, the BJP has always denied Thackeray’s “Hindi imposition” charge and accused him of misleading people.
Meanwhile, in a separate event on the same day, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde attacked the Opposition, saying that “as the elections are near, now they are reminded of Hindutva and Marathi Manus”.
“This has exposed them,” he said.
He also hit out at their silence following the Pahalgam terror attack. “Where were you after the Pahalgam attack? Have you met any families who lost their loved ones in the attack? Where was your Marathi love then?” he asked, accusing the Opposition of abandoning their supposed principles when it truly mattered.
Issuing a sharp warning, Shinde said, “We don’t provoke anyone, but if someone provokes us, we won’t spare them.”
- Location :
Maharashtra, India, India
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