Uddhav Thackeray, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, expressed shock and disbelief over the crushing defeat of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The results, which delivered a decisive victory for the ruling alliance of the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, starkly contrasted the MVA’s strong performance in the Lok Sabha elections just six months ago.
Speaking to reporters, Thackeray reflected on the unexpected outcome, saying, “I cannot believe that Maharashtra, which stood by me like a family during COVID-19, has responded this way. How could the ruling alliance secure such a result in just four months? Where did they light candles for such a victory?”
Thackeray emphasized the overwhelming turnout at MVA rallies compared to those of the BJP-led alliance. “People listened to us, not to Modi and Amit Shah. They said they didn’t need to heed them. Did they decide their votes without hearing our message?” he asked, adding sarcastically, “How can empty chairs turn into votes?”
While the Shinde faction positioned this election as a test of "Who is the real Shiv Sena," Thackeray dismissed the narrative, stating that the matter is still unresolved in court. “For years, we’ve been waiting for a decision on the party name and election symbol. This issue is for the judiciary to decide,” he remarked.
The Shinde camp, however, called their victory a reaffirmation of their ideological stance.
Thackeray attributed the BJP’s win to a broader strategy, pointing to BJP chief JP Nadda’s past comments about creating a one-party system. “It seems they are moving towards ‘one party, one nation.’ I urge people not to lose hope,” he said.
Despite the setback, Thackeray refrained from blaming Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). “Some suggest EVMs played a role, but if people have accepted the result, so will I,” he said.
The MVA’s defeat was substantial. Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) managed only 20 seats out of 89 contested, far behind Shinde’s faction, which won 57 of 80. The ruling Mahayuti alliance secured leads in 236 of Maharashtra’s 288 seats.