Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has made it clear that his current political struggle is not about saving himself or his party, but about opposing what he sees as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s attempt to undermine Maharashtra’s identity.
In an exclusive interview, Thackeray spoke candidly about his fallout with the Congress ahead of civic elections across Maharashtra, his long-running ideological battle with the BJP, and his belief that Marathi pride is under threat. His remarks come at a politically sensitive moment, with elections scheduled in Mumbai and 28 other cities.
“This Is Not a Battle of Survival”
Uddhav Thackeray rejected the idea that Shiv Sena (UBT) is fighting merely to stay relevant.
A Clear Political Stand
According to Thackeray, the narrative that he is in a fight for political survival is misleading. Instead, he framed the current conflict as an ideological battle.
He said the real fight is against the BJP and what he described as its attempt to weaken Maharashtra’s cultural and political identity. In his view, the stakes go far beyond electoral numbers.
Disappointment With Congress Over Civic Election Split
One of the most immediate triggers for Thackeray’s remarks was the Congress party’s decision to contest upcoming civic elections independently.
“They Didn’t Even Talk to Me”
Thackeray expressed clear displeasure over how the alliance unraveled. He said the Congress ended the partnership abruptly without consulting him.
According to him, there was no discussion or explanation before the decision was made public. He questioned why the Congress chose to walk away suddenly, especially when coordination was expected under the broader opposition alliance framework.
The Importance of Civic Elections in Maharashtra
The upcoming civic polls are politically crucial, particularly in Mumbai, where the Shiv Sena has historically been a dominant force.
Why These Elections Matter
Municipal corporations control significant budgets and influence grassroots governance. For Shiv Sena (UBT), retaining a strong presence in local bodies is essential to maintaining its traditional base.
The Congress split complicates opposition unity and could reshape the balance of power at the city level, especially if votes are divided.
Thackeray’s Sharp Attack on the BJP
While expressing disappointment with Congress, Thackeray reserved his strongest criticism for the BJP.
“They Wear the Mask of Hindutva”
Thackeray accused the BJP of using Hindutva as a political tool rather than following its core values sincerely. According to him, the party selectively invokes Hindutva to consolidate power while ignoring regional identities.
He claimed that the BJP’s version of Hindutva is being used to erase Marathi pride and dilute Maharashtra’s political voice.
Defending His Alliance With Congress
Thackeray also revisited criticism he faced after forming an alliance with the Congress in the past.
Responding to Hindutva Accusations
When Shiv Sena joined hands with Congress earlier, the BJP accused Thackeray of abandoning Hindutva. Thackeray rejected that charge, saying the alliance was forced by political betrayal.
He countered by questioning the BJP’s own commitment to Hindutva, citing instances where he believes the party compromised its ideological position for political convenience.
The Ambarnath Reference and BJP’s Contradictions
Thackeray specifically mentioned Ambarnath as an example of what he sees as the BJP’s inconsistency.
Questioning BJP’s Choices
He asked why the BJP chose certain political alliances or decisions in Ambarnath if it was truly committed to Hindutva principles. The remark was aimed at highlighting what he described as selective ideology driven by electoral math.
For Thackeray, this contradiction weakens the BJP’s moral authority to question others.
Shiv Sena’s Core Identity: Marathi Pride
At the heart of Thackeray’s argument is the idea that Shiv Sena has always stood for Marathi identity.
A Legacy He Says Will Continue
He emphasized that the Thackeray family’s politics has traditionally revolved around protecting the interests, language, and culture of Marathi people.
According to him, Shiv Sena (UBT) will continue to fight for Marathi pride regardless of political pressure or alliances.
BJP vs Regional Identity: Thackeray’s Central Argument
Thackeray believes the BJP’s national ambitions conflict with Maharashtra’s regional aspirations.
Fear of Cultural Erosion
He accused the BJP of attempting to centralize power at the cost of regional identities. In his view, Maharashtra’s distinct political and cultural voice is being sidelined.
This argument resonates with Shiv Sena’s historical positioning as a regional party rooted in local pride rather than national ideology alone.
Opposition Unity Under Strain
The Congress split highlights broader challenges facing the opposition in Maharashtra.
Fragile Alliances
While opposition parties often speak about unity at the national level, local elections reveal deep disagreements over seat-sharing, leadership, and strategy.
Thackeray’s comments reflect frustration not just with Congress, but with the difficulty of maintaining cohesion among parties with overlapping voter bases.
What This Means for Maharashtra Politics
Thackeray’s interview signals that the coming months will be politically charged.
A More Aggressive Shiv Sena (UBT)
By clearly stating that his fight is against the BJP, Thackeray appears to be preparing for a more confrontational campaign. His focus on ideology, identity, and betrayal suggests he will frame upcoming elections as a moral and cultural battle, not just a political contest.
Impact on Mumbai and Urban Voters
Urban voters, particularly in Mumbai, will be closely watching how opposition fragmentation plays out.
Divided Opposition, Strong BJP?
If opposition parties fail to coordinate, the BJP could benefit from vote splitting. Thackeray’s criticism of Congress hints at deeper tensions that could affect electoral outcomes in key urban centers.
Thackeray’s Political Message Going Forward
The interview offers insight into how Uddhav Thackeray plans to position himself.
Not Defensive, But Defiant
Rather than sounding defensive about his political standing, Thackeray struck a defiant tone. He portrayed himself as a leader standing up for Maharashtra’s identity against what he views as an aggressive national party.
This framing could appeal to voters who feel disconnected from centralized politics.
Final Thoughts
Uddhav Thackeray’s remarks underline a shifting political landscape in Maharashtra. His disappointment with Congress, combined with a sharp ideological attack on the BJP, suggests that opposition unity will remain fragile in the run-up to civic elections.
By emphasizing Marathi pride and questioning the BJP’s commitment to Hindutva, Thackeray is drawing clear ideological lines. Whether this strategy strengthens Shiv Sena (UBT) or further fragments the opposition will become clearer as elections approach.
For now, Thackeray has made one thing clear: he does not see himself fighting for survival, but for what he believes Maharashtra stands for.
