Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra minister Bhaskar Jadhav launched a blistering attack on the Mahayuti alliance and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 59th anniversary celebration of Shiv Sena, held in the Matoshree area. Jadhav invoked the party’s legacy, highlighted betrayals, and reaffirmed his faith in Uddhav Thackeray's leadership.
Jadhav opened his address by igniting curiosity among attendees: “The whole of Maharashtra is waiting to hear Uddhav Thackeray’s guidance today.” He went on to sharply criticize the BJP for betraying Shiv Sena, stating:
“In the past few years, those who spent 35 years as friends stabbed us in the back. The ones sitting on the throne of the country today had planned to finish Shiv Sena.”
He singled out Union Home Minister Amit Shah, declaring:
“The one who once came to Matoshree seeking an alliance is now the Home Minister of the country.”
Jadhav further alleged that Devendra Fadnavis, who now questions Uddhav Thackeray’s commitment to Hindutva, was the same leader who betrayed Shiv Sena by forming a short-lived 80-hour government with Ajit Pawar in 2019.
Jadhav alleged that loyal Shiv Sena leaders were harassed through CBI, ED, Income Tax raids, and police inquiries as part of a broader effort to destabilize the party’s leadership.
“Many Shiledars left out of fear, but warriors like Sanjay Raut are still here, standing firm on this stage,” he said, lauding Raut’s resilience.
Urging Shiv Sainiks to embrace intellectual resistance, Jadhav encouraged them to read books such as:
“Narkatala Swarg” by Sanjay Raut
“Diary of a Home Minister” by Anil Deshmukh
“BJP Won! But How?” by Tulshidas Bhoite
“This fight has moved from the streets to social media and the battleground of ideas. We must now fight by thinking, studying, and responding wisely,” he emphasized.
In a strong defense of Uddhav Thackeray, Jadhav noted:
“Despite undergoing knee surgery, Uddhav Saheb never backed down. The rulers tried to defame him, but he never bowed his head. Under his leadership, we are still standing proud.”
Bhaskar Jadhav’s speech reinforced the unwavering belief in Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership and acknowledged the dedication of loyalists like Sanjay Raut and Anil Deshmukh. His final remark resonated with the gathered Shiv Sainiks: