Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday took a sharp dig at former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, asserting that there is only one Shiv Sena and it is led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Speaking at a public rally in Mumbai, Shah said the split in the Shiv Sena was a result of Thackeray's autocratic style and betrayal of the party's core ideology.
Shah's Remarks on Shiv Sena Split
Shah said, "There is only one Shiv Sena, and it is led by Eknath Shinde. The other faction is just a group of people who have lost their way. Uddhav Thackeray abandoned the principles of Balasaheb Thackeray and compromised with the Congress and the NCP." He added that the Shinde-led government is working for the development of Maharashtra and the welfare of its people.
Political Context
The remarks come amid the ongoing political tussle between the two Shiv Sena factions. The Shinde faction, which aligned with the BJP, formed the government in June 2022 after a rebellion by a majority of Shiv Sena MLAs. The Uddhav faction has been challenging the legitimacy of the Shinde government in court and on the streets.
Reactions from Uddhav Camp
Reacting to Shah's comments, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, "Amit Shah should not forget that the Shiv Sena was founded by Balasaheb Thackeray, and Uddhav Thackeray is his true heir. The people of Maharashtra will teach a lesson to those who have betrayed the party."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024
Shah also addressed the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, urging voters to support the BJP-Shinde alliance. He said, "The alliance will ensure Maharashtra's progress and protect the interests of Marathi manoos. We will defeat the opposition's propaganda and bring stability to the state."
The political climate in Maharashtra remains charged as both factions prepare for the electoral battle. Shah's statement is seen as an attempt to consolidate the Shinde faction's claim as the legitimate Shiv Sena.
