Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has made it clear that his current political struggle is not about saving himself or his party, but about opposing what he sees as the Bharatiya Janata Party\u2019s attempt to undermine Maharashtra\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In an exclusive interview, Thackeray spoke candidly about his fallout with the Congress ahead of civic elections across Maharashtra, his long-running ideological battle with the BJP, and his belief that Marathi pride is under threat. His remarks come at a politically sensitive moment, with elections scheduled in Mumbai and 28 other cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uddhav Thackeray rejected the idea that Shiv Sena (UBT) is fighting merely to stay relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Thackeray, the narrative that he is in a fight for political survival is misleading. Instead, he framed the current conflict as an ideological battle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the real fight is against the BJP and what he described as its attempt to weaken Maharashtra\u2019s cultural and political identity. In his view, the stakes go far beyond electoral numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most immediate triggers for Thackeray\u2019s remarks was the Congress party\u2019s decision to contest upcoming civic elections independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thackeray expressed clear displeasure over how the alliance unraveled. He said the Congress ended the partnership abruptly without consulting him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to him, there was no discussion or explanation before the decision was made public. He questioned why the Congress chose to walk away suddenly, especially when coordination was expected under the broader opposition alliance framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The upcoming civic polls are politically crucial, particularly in Mumbai, where the Shiv Sena has historically been a dominant force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Municipal corporations control significant budgets and influence grassroots governance. For Shiv Sena (UBT), retaining a strong presence in local bodies is essential to maintaining its traditional base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Congress split complicates opposition unity and could reshape the balance of power at the city level, especially if votes are divided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While expressing disappointment with Congress, Thackeray reserved his strongest criticism for the BJP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thackeray accused the BJP of using Hindutva as a political tool rather than following its core values sincerely. According to him, the party selectively invokes Hindutva to consolidate power while ignoring regional identities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He claimed that the BJP\u2019s version of Hindutva is being used to erase Marathi pride and dilute Maharashtra\u2019s political voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thackeray also revisited criticism he faced after forming an alliance with the Congress in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Shiv Sena joined hands with Congress earlier, the BJP accused Thackeray of abandoning Hindutva. Thackeray rejected that charge, saying the alliance was forced by political betrayal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He countered by questioning the BJP\u2019s own commitment to Hindutva, citing instances where he believes the party compromised its ideological position for political convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thackeray specifically mentioned Ambarnath as an example of what he sees as the BJP\u2019s inconsistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He asked why the BJP chose certain political alliances or decisions in Ambarnath if it was truly committed to Hindutva principles. The remark was aimed at highlighting what he described as selective ideology driven by electoral math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Thackeray, this contradiction weakens the BJP\u2019s moral authority to question others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the heart of Thackeray\u2019s argument is the idea that Shiv Sena has always stood for Marathi identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He emphasized that the Thackeray family\u2019s politics has traditionally revolved around protecting the interests, language, and culture of Marathi people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to him, Shiv Sena (UBT) will continue to fight for Marathi pride regardless of political pressure or alliances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thackeray believes the BJP\u2019s national ambitions conflict with Maharashtra\u2019s regional aspirations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He accused the BJP of attempting to centralize power at the cost of regional identities. In his view, Maharashtra\u2019s distinct political and cultural voice is being sidelined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This argument resonates with Shiv Sena\u2019s historical positioning as a regional party rooted in local pride rather than national ideology alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Congress split highlights broader challenges facing the opposition in Maharashtra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While opposition parties often speak about unity at the national level, local elections reveal deep disagreements over seat-sharing, leadership, and strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thackeray\u2019s comments reflect frustration not just with Congress, but with the difficulty of maintaining cohesion among parties with overlapping voter bases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thackeray\u2019s interview signals that the coming months will be politically charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By clearly stating that his fight is against the BJP, Thackeray appears to be preparing for a more confrontational campaign. His focus on ideology, identity, and betrayal suggests he will frame upcoming elections as a moral and cultural battle, not just a political contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Urban voters, particularly in Mumbai, will be closely watching how opposition fragmentation plays out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If opposition parties fail to coordinate, the BJP could benefit from vote splitting. Thackeray\u2019s criticism of Congress hints at deeper tensions that could affect electoral outcomes in key urban centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interview offers insight into how Uddhav Thackeray plans to position himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather than sounding defensive about his political standing, Thackeray struck a defiant tone. He portrayed himself as a leader standing up for Maharashtra\u2019s identity against what he views as an aggressive national party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This framing could appeal to voters who feel disconnected from centralized politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uddhav Thackeray\u2019s remarks underline a shifting political landscape in Maharashtra. His disappointment with Congress, combined with a sharp ideological attack on the BJP, suggests that opposition unity will remain fragile in the run-up to civic elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By emphasizing Marathi pride and questioning the BJP\u2019s commitment to Hindutva, Thackeray is drawing clear ideological lines. Whether this strategy strengthens Shiv Sena (UBT) or further fragments the opposition will become clearer as elections approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For now, Thackeray has made one thing clear: he does not see himself fighting for survival, but for what he believes Maharashtra stands for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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