Uddhav Thackeray vows to rebuild Sena, tells workers ‘fight is not over’

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray addresses party workers at the 60th Foundation Day of the Shiv Sena at Shanmukhananda Auditorium in Sion on Friday. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

Facing yet another rebellion in a party already split once before, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray used the party's 60th Foundation Day celebration on Friday to signal that he was not backing down. In his first public address since six MPs rebelled against the party, Thackeray told workers gathered at Mumbai's Shanmukhananda Auditorium that the party would continue to fight and rebuild itself despite the latest setback.

Thackeray apologised to the voters of the rebel MPs' constituencies, who trusted Shiv Sena (UBT) and Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy and voted for the party despite the Modi wave. The Sena (UBT) leader said that after the split in his party, its workers were not demoralised, but instead charged and ready to rebuild the party.

Of cockroaches

The Sena (UBT) chief said, "Our country achieved freedom due to the strong protests and fight put up by youngsters. Today, referring to this young generation as cockroaches is a big mistake.
One should not underestimate the power of this generation, which can turn the tables on the existing regime."

‘Question defectors'

"All those elected were voted for because we urged people to vote for them. Today, when they are defecting, the people should question those defectors," he said.

Emotional appeal

Thackeray claimed that if his party workers were convinced by the allegations made against him by those who had defected, he was willing to step down. "I am happy if any Shiv Sainik takes charge, but will not tolerate the party going into the hands of the other faction, which is not the real Sena," Thackeray stated while concluding his address to the party workers.