‘Where has your Hindutva gone?’: Eknath Shinde jabs Uddhav Thackeray on Shiv Sena foundation day

Founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966, the Shiv Sena was split in 2022 after Eknath Shinde led a rebellion of party lawmakers to join hands with the BJP

Published on: Jun 19, 2024, 21:56:54 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday lashed out Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, saying the former chief minister has no right to seek votes in the name of Bal Thackeray.

“Where has your Hindutva gone, you have no right to seek votes in Balasaheb Thackeray’s name,” Shinde said at a rally to mark the foundation day of the undivided party.

“Shiv Sena UBT has won only on Congress' vote bank. They are not following the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. You discarded Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology for vote bank politics,” the chief minister added.

“They (Shiv Sena UBT) are now with Congress, but we not like that and this is why we separated from them and formed real Shiv Sena. The people believe in us because we are the real Shiv Sena,” he added.

Speaking on the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, Shinde said,"We have to strengthen Mahayuti in Maharashtra for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. I assure you all that we will win more seats in upcoming elections."

Thackeray too held a rally in a show of strength on the party's foundation day. “Narendra Modi-led govt will collapse, we will set up INDIA bloc-led govt,” he said.

ALSO READ: MVA presents a united front, says it will contest Maharashtra polls as one unit

Rejecting speculations of again aligning with the BJP, the Sena (UBT) chief said,"Will never go with those who tried to finish off Shiv Sena."

ALSO READ: ‘Those who left me…’: Uddhav Thackeray on Eknath Shinde camp possible homecoming

Founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966, the Shiv Sena was split in 2022 after Eknath Shinde led a rebellion of party lawmakers to join hands with the BJP. The Election Commission in February last year recognised Shinde's faction as the real Shiv Sena.

In the just concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Mahayuti alliance comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP won 17 out of 48 seats. The Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP) won 30 seats.

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde speaks during an event marking the Shiv Sena's foundation day. (Satish Bate/Hindustan Times)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.