Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has criticized the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), referring to it as an amoeba and questioning the fate of democracy in India. Thackeray expressed his views in an interview with Saamna, the Sena UBT mouthpiece, where he discussed various issues including the BJP’s alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra and the situation in Manipur.
Thackeray accused the BJP of inducting nine NCP MLAs as ministers in the Shinde-Fadnavis government, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously accusing Ajit Pawar, one of the MLAs, of being involved in a scam worth Rs 70,000 crore. Thackeray questioned the decision to give Pawar access to the state treasury, but also praised his ability to manage the administration effectively.
The Shiv Sena chief also expressed concerns about Manipur, speculating whether the state would separate from the country. He criticized the BJP-led government for the unrest in Manipur and Kashmir and claimed that if the BJP returned to power in 2024, democracy in the country would be at risk, suggesting that elections may not be held again.
On the topic of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Thackeray challenged the government to impose a ban on cow slaughter across the nation and establish peace in Manipur before implementing the UCC. He stated that the UCC should not just focus on marriage-related issues but also address corruption in society. Thackeray emphasized that corruption should be punished regardless of political affiliations.
Regarding the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, Thackeray expressed his preference for loyalists, emphasizing the importance of a small group of trustworthy individuals rather than a larger group of traitors.
Thackeray’s comments highlight his skepticism towards the BJP and its alliance partners within the NDA. He raises concerns about the functioning of democracy, the treatment of corruption, and the implementation of policies such as the UCC. These remarks showcase the continuing tensions within the political landscape of Maharashtra and Thackeray’s firm stance on issues that he deems crucial for the country’s future.
