Amidst growing speculation of a potential division within the Shiv Sena (UBT), Uddhav Thackeray expressed his readiness to resign as party president should party members lose faith in his leadership. Speaking at the 60th foundation day celebrations of Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Friday, Thackeray announced his openness to a new leader rising from within the party’s ranks. However, he emphasized his commitment to preventing the party from falling into the hands of individuals he labeled as betrayers.
Thackeray’s comments come in the wake of reports suggesting that several Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament might align themselves with the faction led by Eknath Shinde. In response, Thackeray issued an apology to voters who supported candidates under his leadership, expressing his disappointment over the alleged defections. His speech highlighted the internal challenges faced by the party, as well as his resolve to maintain its integrity.
The former Maharashtra Chief Minister also directed criticism towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of attempting to undermine and dismantle Shiv Sena. Thackeray suggested that the Indian political arena is increasingly shifting towards a single-party dominance, implicitly cautioning against such a trend. His remarks underscored the ongoing political tension between Shiv Sena and BJP, reflecting his concerns about the future of multi-party democracy in India.
Addressing Shiv Sena’s historical relationship with the Congress, Thackeray remarked that despite a history marked by political rivalry, the Congress had never sought to eliminate his party. He clarified that while there was no intention of merging with Congress, Shiv Sena remains dedicated to advocating for the interests of the Marathi people. Thackeray’s comments reinforced the party’s foundational mission and distinguished its identity from potential political allies.