Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 19: In a fierce and emotionally charged interview published in Saamana, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray tore into the Mahayuti government, directly targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the BJP-led alliance. Thackeray asserted that he represents more than a political label — he embodies Maharashtra’s identity.

“Thackeray isn’t just a brand — it’s the soul of Maharashtra,” Uddhav said in conversation with Saamana executive editor Sanjay Raut. “Those who are hollow and lack a legacy are the ones clinging to our name for relevance.”

Referring to the Election Commission's decision that handed over the Shiv Sena name and symbol to the Shinde faction, Uddhav expressed no bitterness, instead choosing to highlight public support. “Even with nothing left in hand, people greet me with warmth. They’re angry at the betrayal. They know I stand with them, I speak up, and I won’t back down from their pain,” he said.

Thackeray was unsparing in his criticism of the current state leadership and its backers in Delhi. Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he condemned what he described as a dangerous cult of personality. “Some think only their name should exist in India. They equate themselves with God. Such arrogance will not last. Time humbles all,” he remarked.

On the legitimacy of the Shiv Sena name transfer, Uddhav rebuked the Election Commission, stating, “You gave away the party’s symbol — fine. But how could you hand over the name founded by my grandfather Prabodhankar Thackeray and my father Balasaheb Thackeray? This isn’t just politics; it’s heritage.”
He continued, “They can steal a symbol, but they can’t purchase public trust. Love and loyalty can’t be packed in a box and sold.”

Reflecting on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Uddhav said that despite lacking the original party symbol, the Maha Vikas Aghadi gave the Mahayuti a tough battle. “We had unity. We fought with conviction — this election was ours. But in the Assembly elections, that collective vision fragmented. Everyone focused on individual party wins, and we lost that edge.”

He acknowledged that Mahayuti’s victory was aided by government schemes like Ladki Bahin Yojana and the crop loan waiver, but implied these were short-term sops that didn’t reflect true leadership.

In a parting shot, Uddhav declared: “You may have taken the name, but you can’t take the legacy. Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray isn’t just a name — it’s a promise. And Maharashtra remembers.”