Uddhav Thackeray accuses BJP of plotting to weaken opposition

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has accused the BJP of plotting to weaken the opposition by targeting him and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) leader, Sharad Pawar.

Thackeray claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed BJP leaders in a private meeting to politically sideline him and Pawar.

Speaking at the unveiling of a life-size statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Ramtek, Maharashtra, Thackeray challenged the BJP's motives, asserting that it is the people, not the BJP, who will determine his political future. He criticized the alleged closed-door meeting, stating, "Why hide behind closed doors? Amit Shah should openly speak about his intentions to the public."

Thackeray also questioned whether the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief, Mohan Bhagwat, supports the BJP's version of Hindutva, which he claimed involves breaking up opposition parties and luring their leaders. He further accused the BJP of ending its long-standing alliance with the Shiv Sena in 2014 and expressed concern about the ruling party's intentions to "loot" Maharashtra.

Calling the upcoming elections crucial for the state's future, Thackeray urged voters to support the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, aiming for victory in all six assembly segments within the Ramtek Lok Sabha constituency. Congress and NCP (SP) leaders Sunil Kedar and Anil Deshmukh were also present at the event.