Uddhav Thackeray Alleges BJP Bid to Engineer Defections in Shinde-Led Sena for BMC Mayor's Post
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has made serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party. He claims the BJP is attempting to engineer fresh defections within the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The goal, according to Thackeray, is to secure the Mumbai mayor's post after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.
First Public Address After Losing BMC Control
Thackeray spoke at a press conference held at Shivsena Bhavan in Mumbai. This marked his first public address since his party lost control of the BMC. He directly accused the BJP of trying to manipulate the political landscape through defections.
"They are scared of the BJP," Thackeray stated, referring to reports that corporators from the Shinde-led Sena would be kept at a luxury hotel. "People who have split once can split again." He emphasized that many corporators elected from the Shinde Sena were originally with his party and could be targeted once more.
Allegations of Betrayal and Strength in Numbers
A day after the BJP-Shinde Sena alliance won the civic polls, Thackeray launched a strong attack. He alleged that the BJP secured victory through betrayal. "They have won by betrayal. Marathi people will never forgive this," he declared. "The battle has not ended. It has only begun."
Thackeray firmly rejected claims that his party had been finished. He pointed to the 65 seats won by Shiv Sena (UBT) as evidence of their continued strength. "The BJP could not finish Shiv Sena on the ground. BJP is only on paper but not on ground. We are on ground even if not on paper," he asserted.
Referring to the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena, Thackeray provided specific numbers. "Last time we had 84 corporators. After the split, 54 were taken away. Still, 65 corporators have been elected. This is our strength," he explained, highlighting the party's resilience despite the division.
Dismissing Hypothetical Questions and Criticizing BJP's Growth
When asked whether an alliance with the Congress could have helped, Thackeray dismissed the question as hypothetical. He chose not to engage with what-if scenarios, focusing instead on current political realities.
Thackeray accused the BJP of creating confusion among Shiv Sena voters. He claimed the BJP formed what he called the "Shah Sena" to sow discord. "If this had not happened, the BJP would not have grown," he argued. "The BJP has not grown on its own. It has taken in corporators from outside."
Comments on Alliances and Historical Context
Regarding his tie-up with Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray stated that both parties helped each other. "We came together to stay together," he said, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their political relationship.
He also made a historical reference, attacking the BJP's political journey. "If Balasaheb Thackeray had not helped them, the BJP would not have survived in politics," he claimed, invoking his father's legacy and influence.
Supporting Statements and Post-Election Activities
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut targeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directly. "If Shinde had not betrayed us, the BJP would never have had a mayor in Mumbai," he stated, placing blame squarely on Shinde's actions.
Meanwhile, all corporators elected from Shiv Sena (UBT) met Thackeray at his residence, Matoshree. He congratulated them on their performance despite the challenging circumstances.
Separately, Raj Thackeray asked his party workers to regroup after the polls. In a post on social media platform X, he wrote: "Let's meet again soon. Let's get back to work. Let's rebuild our party and organisation anew."
Raj Thackeray described the election as a tough fight. He framed it as a contest between financial power and spiritual strength. "This election was not easy. It was a battle of immense money power and state power against Shiv Shakti," he remarked, using the term Shiv Shakti to represent his party's ideological foundation.
The political landscape in Maharashtra remains tense following these developments. Thackeray's allegations suggest ongoing maneuvering as parties position themselves for control of Mumbai's civic administration.
