In a blistering verbal assault that has intensified the political climate, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray made a sensational claim about the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) historical reliance on his father's legacy. Thackeray asserted that the BJP would have faced political extinction had it not been for the sustenance provided by the late Shiv Sena patriarch, Bal Thackeray.
A Scathing Historical Allegation
Addressing supporters and the media, Uddhav Thackeray did not mince his words while revisiting the old alliance between the Shiv Sena and the BJP. He starkly stated that the BJP "would have died of malnutrition" if Balasaheb Thackeray had not "fed" the party during its formative years in Maharashtra's political landscape. This metaphor underscores the Shiv Sena's long-held narrative that its grassroots strength and Marathi ethos were instrumental in building the BJP's base in the state, a partnership that eventually soured after the 2019 assembly elections.
Allegations of Financial Inducements in Current Politics
Shifting his focus to contemporary electoral battles, Thackeray levelled serious accusations against the ruling establishment. He claimed that money is being distributed through digital payment platforms like UPI to influence the political process. Furthermore, he alleged a concerted attempt is underway to ensure that no strong opposition candidate remains in the electoral fray, suggesting tactics of coercion or enticement to clear the field for certain nominees.
These comments, made on January 10, 2026, reflect the deepening rift between the former allies and set the stage for a highly charged political contest. Thackeray's statements are seen as a direct challenge to the BJP's narrative of self-reliance and its dominant position in national and state politics.
Political Repercussions and Escalating Rhetoric
The implications of Thackeray's allegations are significant. By invoking his father's name and the historical debt, he aims to solidify his own faction's credibility as the true heir of Bal Thackeray's ideology, while painting the BJP as an ungrateful partner. The accusations regarding UPI payments and sidelining opposition candidates are likely to become a major talking point, potentially triggering demands for investigations and shaping public discourse around electoral integrity.
This episode marks another low in the bitter feud between the Thackeray faction and the BJP, ensuring that Maharashtra's politics will remain volatile and intensely personal in the coming days. The war of words is expected to escalate as all parties gear up for future electoral battles.
