Devendra Fadnavis hits back at Uddhav Thackeray over ‘regime change’ remarks

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (File pic)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has hit back at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray over his backing of the ‘regime change' remarks. Fadnavis, while talking to the media, questioned Uddhav Thackeray's understanding of political change. The Maharashtra CM also accused him of abandoning the Hindutva ideology and the ideals of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

Responding to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's remarks, Fadnavis said that the political upheaval within the undivided Shiv Sena had already demonstrated the consequences of moving away from the party's founding ideology, as per ANI.

The Maharashtra CM Fadnavis also said that decisions concerning the country must be taken in accordance with the Constitution and through Parliament, rather than on the streets.

"Firstly, if Uddhav Thackeray could not prevent a 'regime change' within the Shiv Sena itself, I fail to understand what other 'regime change' he is referring to," Fadnavis said.

CM Fadnavis slams Uddhav Thackeray over ‘regime change'

The Maharashtra CM further alleged that Uddhav Thackeray's decision to abandon Hindutva and the ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray had triggered a major upheaval within the party.

"When his party abandoned Hindutva and discarded the ideals of the 'Hindu Hriday Samrat' and Shiv Sena chief, Balasaheb Thackeray, it caused such an upheaval within his own ranks that those who wished to remain true to Balasaheb's vision formed the 'real' Shiv Sena," Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis says decisions must be made in Parliament

Amid the ongoing protest against the CEC and a few statements from the student leaders claiming regime change, CM Fadnavis urged political leaders to stop challenging the Constitution and said that decisions must be made through established parliamentary procedures.

Fadnavis said. "Most importantly, I have stated quite clearly: stop challenging the Constitution of India. Decisions here will be made in Parliament, in accordance with the Constitution - not on the streets," as per ANI.

Fadnavis's remarks come amid a political exchange over the ‘regime change' issue, with the BJP leader targeting Thackeray's political position and the ideological differences that led to the split in the Shiv Sena.

(With inputs from ANI)