Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 3: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray used his annual Dussehra rally on Wednesday to launch a blistering attack on the BJP and the Maharashtra government, likening the ruling party to “a single-cell organism amoeba” and accusing it of fostering dependence among citizens.

Speaking to a large crowd in Mumbai, Thackeray said the BJP “gives everything away for free and prepares salaried voters” and described the party as one that “shifts shape to suit its politics, breaks society, and thrives on unrest.” He further alleged that the BJP had no concern for good governance, prioritising electoral gains instead.

Highlighting farmers’ distress due to heavy rainfall in Marathwada, Thackeray demanded compensation of Rs 50,000 per hectare for losses.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded sharply, calling Thackeray “a frustrated leader” and dismissing the speech as political theatrics. “When a person becomes frustrated, they start saying all kinds of things. Sensible people don’t pay attention to such words,” Fadnavis said.

In a lighter remark, Fadnavis quipped that Thackeray’s criticism had “saved” him Rs 1,000, noting that the Sena chief did not mention a word about development despite prior expectations. He added that Thackeray’s speech was focused more on negativity than constructive ideas.