On the occasion of Shiv Sena’s 59th Foundation Day, party chief Uddhav Thackeray delivered a fiery address aimed at his political opponents, particularly Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Thackeray’s speech touched on current political controversies, the recent Pahalgam terror attack, and what he described as attempts to undermine the Shiv Sena's identity.
Thackeray criticized the BJP’s accusations that the Shiv Sena had abandoned Hindutva, turning the tables by questioning the BJP’s own ideological consistency.
“You say we have left Hindutva — then what have you left? You go to mosques and offer gifts. What does that signify?” Thackeray asked, challenging the BJP’s stance on religious politics.
He alleged that the BJP was using threats and smear tactics to tarnish his party and family.
“They threatened to defame my entire family. Despite a ₹70,000 crore scam, they continue to protect and fund the culprits,” he said, referring to corruption allegations without naming individuals.
Taking direct aim at CM Eknath Shinde — a former Shiv Sainik who split from the party in 2022 — Thackeray remarked:
“You dream of destroying Shiv Sena. But if the Shiv Sena doesn’t destroy you and your corrupt associates, we will get back our shivsena.”
The former Maharashtra Chief Minister also criticized the BJP for attempting to incite divisions within the Hindu community, particularly in Mumbai.
“We no longer want to fight. The BJP initiated this conflict. And now, they are igniting a battle among Hindus themselves,” Thackeray warned, alluding to escalating communal tensions in the city.
The speech, delivered in front of a large gathering of Shiv Sainiks, reinforced Thackeray’s efforts to reclaim the party’s legacy while denouncing what he views as ideological betrayal and political manipulation by breakaway factions and former allies.