Amidst swirling rumors of a potential division within Shiv Sena (UBT), Uddhav Thackeray expressed his readiness to resign from his role as party president if the members no longer supported his leadership. During the commemoration of Shiv Sena’s 60th foundation day in Mumbai, Thackeray addressed party workers, emphasizing his openness to new leadership emerging from within the party. However, he firmly stated his opposition to handing over control to those he labeled as betrayers.
The backdrop to Thackeray’s statements includes reports suggesting that several Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament might align themselves with the faction headed by Eknath Shinde. Thackeray took the opportunity to apologize to voters who had elected candidates under his leadership, expressing his dismay over the potential defections. This scenario has intensified speculations and concerns about unity within the party.
Thackeray did not hold back in his criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of trying to weaken and dismantle Shiv Sena. He argued that the political environment in India is gravitating towards a system where a single party dominates the landscape, hinting at the BJP’s growing influence and control.
Addressing the party’s relationship with Congress, Thackeray acknowledged the longstanding political rivalry but highlighted that Congress had never attempted to obliterate Shiv Sena. Despite acknowledging this, he dismissed the possibility of a merger with Congress, reiterating Shiv Sena’s foundational purpose of advocating for the interests of the Marathi population.