Sanjay Nirupam accuses Uddhav Thackeray of ‘Jihadi mindset’, slams UBT for opposing temple lamp-lighting

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam. File pic

Shiv Sena leader and spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. The Shiv Sena leader alleged that the Sena (UBT) chief has "adopted a jihadi mindset" after joining the INDIA bloc.

While addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Nirupam further asserted that Uddhav Thackeray and his party MPs are abandoning the Hindutva ideology of the late Balasaheb Thackeray.

The Shiv Sena leader further criticised the UBT faction for supporting an impeachment motion moved in Parliament against Madras High Court (HC) judge Justice GR Swaminathan.

Earlier, the HC judge had passed an order for the lighting of a ceremonial lamp at a Tamil Nadu temple. The decision sparked protests from certain groups and became a point of discussion between the ruling and the opposition party.

While the DMK government subsequently restricted the ritual and later approached the Supreme Court to secure a stay, the debate around the same remained amplified. However, Sanjay Nirupam, while slamming Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Arvind Sawant, said that Sawant's signature on the impeachment motion reflected an "anti-Hindu stance".

Recalling Balasaheb Thackeray's advocacy for the Ram Temple movement, Nirupam questioned the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s stand on traditional rituals.

"Lakhs of Shiv Sainiks went for kar seva. But today, Uddhav Thackeray's MPs oppose the lighting of a lamp in a temple," further alleging that the faction has strayed from Hindutva, he asserted.

Nirupam further slammed the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Thackeray for his stand on the NRC, Waqf Board reforms, and incidents during his tenure as Chief Minister.

Without holding back, Nirupam also criticised the Sena (UBT) chief while referring to his stance on the 2020 Palghar mob lynching of two sadhus. He further alleged that individuals linked to the 1993 Mumbai blasts had taken part in an election rally of a Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate.

"Instead of teaching Hindutva to Shiv Sena and BJP, UBT should now openly declare that, for Muslim votes, Uddhav Thackeray has become jihadi-minded like the DMK, Samajwadi Party, Congress, and NCP (SP)," the Shiv Sena leader said.

While Thackeray is yet to reply to Nirupam's allegations, he did slam the Chief Minister for shielding the corrupt ministers. While speaking to the media on Thursday, Thackeray said, "Videos of their leaders with bundles of cash are coming out. Even then, the chief minister is not taking cognisance of the issue."