“Is He a Woman or a Man?” – A New Political Controversy Erupts

The celebration of the 59th anniversary of Shiv Sena, founded by late Balasaheb Thackeray on June 19, 1966, concluded on Thursday. However, since the 2022 split in the unified Shiv Sena, two separate factions have continued to hold their own anniversary events in Mumbai for the third consecutive year.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction celebrated its event at Shanmukhananda Hall, where Uddhav Thackeray took sharp digs at the Mahayuti government. In response, BJP Minister Nitesh Rane held a fiery press conference, hitting back at Uddhav Thackeray and targeting Aaditya Thackeray with controversial remarks.

During the press conference, Nitesh Rane said:

"If I am working to protect Balasaheb Thackeray's Hindutva legacy, of course that will bother them. Balasaheb built the Thackeray brand, but the next generation has abandoned Hindutva, so naturally they are insecure. They know the condition of their own son. People don’t even know whether he is a woman or a man. Just look at his state. That’s why they’re angry with me."

Rane further added,

"They criticize me because I speak about Dino and Disha. But if they had focused on curbing their own son’s nightlife, this situation would not have arisen. They attack me to please the Mullahs and Maulvis. If criticizing me is their way to earn secular credentials, then I wear that as a medal. Did you notice the Gabbar of Hindus or not?"

His remarks have sparked sharp reactions across political circles and social media. The reference to "penguin" and the gendered comments aimed at Aaditya Thackeray have been widely criticized as personal and derogatory. Many have condemned Rane for crossing the line of civil political discourse.

This fresh outburst adds to the long-standing rivalry between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP-backed Mahayuti, further heating up Maharashtra’s political atmosphere ahead of the upcoming state elections.