In a fiery accusation that has intensified the political rhetoric in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a mission to "finish" his party. Thackeray made these startling remarks during a party event, revealing a deep sense of betrayal and marking a dramatic turn in the state's complex political landscape.
From Campaigner to Target: Thackeray's Stinging Allegation
Uddhav Thackeray disclosed a personal history that underscores the bitter nature of the current feud. He stated that he actively campaigned to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister back in 2014, during the heady days of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. "I campaigned to make Modi the PM. Today, he is out to finish my party," Thackeray asserted, framing the current conflict as a direct betrayal of past support.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader's comments come against the backdrop of an intense political battle in Maharashtra, where his faction is pitted against the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP and the rival Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Thackeray framed the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as a critical juncture, a "fight for the existence of Maharashtra and the country." He appealed to the party's grassroots workers, the Shiv Sainiks, to prepare for a significant electoral confrontation.
The Core of the Conflict: Allegations of Vendetta Politics
Thackeray did not mince words in describing what he perceives as a targeted campaign against him and his allies. He accused central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of being used as tools of political pressure. According to him, leaders who align with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) find their legal troubles mysteriously disappearing.
"If you go with them (NDA), then all your cases vanish. If you don't, then the ED, CBI come after you," Thackeray claimed, alleging a clear pattern of coercive politics. He positioned his faction as standing firm against this pressure, fighting for the principles of the original Shiv Sena founded by his father, Balasaheb Thackeray.
Electoral Battle Lines Drawn in Maharashtra
The immediate context for Thackeray's outburst is the high-stakes Lok Sabha elections. His party is part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, alongside the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). He expressed confidence in the MVA's unity and its prospects in the polls, directly challenging the BJP's narrative of invincibility.
Thackeray also took a swipe at Prime Minister Modi's recent speeches, suggesting a shift in tone. "Earlier, Modi used to say 'I will do this, I will do that'. Now he has started saying 'I have done this, I have done that'," he remarked, implying that the government is now campaigning on its record rather than future promises. He questioned the efficacy of schemes like the Agniveer military recruitment plan, hinting at public dissatisfaction.
Implications and the Road Ahead
Uddhav Thackeray's sharp accusations signal a point of no return in the relationship between his faction and the BJP. By publicly stating that the Prime Minister is intent on finishing his party, he has framed the upcoming election as an existential battle. This narrative is likely to galvanize his core supporters but also ensures that the political discourse in Maharashtra will remain fiercely polarized in the coming weeks.
The charges of vendetta politics and the misuse of central agencies add to a growing national debate on the independence of investigative institutions. As the campaign heats up, Thackeray's strategy appears to be one of confronting the BJP head-on, leveraging his legacy and portraying himself as the defender of Balasaheb Thackeray's authentic political ideology against those who split the party. The electoral results will ultimately determine the success of this high-risk political stance.
