In a candid interview, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has openly acknowledged a state of "confusion" within the opposition INDIA bloc at the national level and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the state. Speaking to The Indian Express on Friday, January 9, 2026, Thackeray expressed hope that the alliances would stabilize with time, even as key partners chart separate courses for the upcoming civic polls.
Internal Confusion and Hope for Cohesion
Thackeray did not shy away from addressing the visible lack of unity among opposition partners. "There is surely a state of confusion. It is there. But slowly, this confusion will go away," he stated. He emphasized that time and experience were crucial factors, asserting his belief that the INDIA alliance would ultimately remain intact despite the current turbulence.
His remarks come against the backdrop of the INDIA bloc's electoral setback in Bihar and the fragmented approach of MVA constituents—the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP)—towards the crucial January 15 civic body elections in Maharashtra. Notably, the Congress has decided to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other polls independently.
Blasting BJP's "Double Standards" on Hindutva
In some of his sharpest criticisms, Thackeray drew a stark contrast between how actions are perceived when undertaken by the BJP versus his own faction. He accused the ruling party of practicing a dangerous form of divisive politics.
"When BJP does something, it's Amar Prem; when we do it, it's Love Jihad," Thackeray remarked, highlighting what he sees as a glaring double standard. He questioned the BJP's version of Hindutva, pointing out inconsistencies like banning cow slaughter in Maharashtra but not in Goa or the Northeast.
"They create Hindu-Muslim divisions. If I join Congress, I am told I have abandoned Hindutva, but when they do all this, it's acceptable?" he asked. Thackeray further charged that the BJP, which was not part of historic movements like the freedom struggle or the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, only specializes in creating conflicts and is "dangerous".
On Alliances, Agencies, and Identity Politics
Explaining his recent reconciliation with MNS chief Raj Thackeray, Uddhav clarified it was a strategic union based on shared principles to prevent the BJP from capitalizing on their divide. "Raj and I were estranged, but Marathi identity, Hindutva, and Maharashtra were never abandoned by either of us," he explained.
He also strongly backed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the recent ED raids on I-PAC, calling it a clear misuse of central investigation agencies like the ED and CBI. "Whoever joins them gets a clean chit. This is a misuse of power and it must be opposed," he alleged.
On the perennial issue of language and identity in Mumbai's politics, Thackeray sought to clarify his stance. "We are not against non-Marathis, but against those who are trying to snatch and loot Mumbai by doing injustice to us," he said, adding that his administration in the BMC has provided education in eight languages, including Hindi, Urdu, and Gujarati.
As Maharashtra heads into a significant electoral test, Thackeray's interview lays bare the challenges of opposition unity while mounting a fierce ideological offensive against the BJP, setting the stage for a contentious political battle.
