BJP vitiated social harmony, says Uddhav Thackeray; calls Fadnavis ‘helpless CM who cannot curb graft’

Uddhav Thackeray addresses Shiv Sena (UBT) workers in Pune, on Saturday. Pic/X

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday described Devendra Fadnavis as a "helpless" chief minister (CM) who has failed to curb "rampant corruption" under his watch, news agency PTI reported.

Citing the announcement of welfare schemes in poll-bound Bihar, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief appealed to the Centre to extend financial assistance to women in Maharashtra.

Thackeray addressed gatherings of women and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers in Pune and also interacted with the media, reported PTI.

At an interaction organised by the Pune Union of Working Journalists, Thackeray said the Sena (UBT) did not need a certificate on Hindutva from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which, he alleged, was "creating walls within the country."

"India is a beautiful country. It has a great culture. However, these people [BJP] have vitiated the entire atmosphere and made it hell. These people have created walls within the country. I have been working hard to prevent further deterioration," he said.

"I have said time and again that the BJP cannot run governments in the state or at the Centre. The Narendra Modi government has failed to address issues in Kashmir and Manipur," the former Maharashtra CM alleged.

Thackeray added that the BJP is taking the country on the path of dictatorship, PTI reported.

Targeting Fadnavis, he said, "I don't consider anybody as an enemy, not even the prime minister. But considering the state's current situation, the chief minister looks ‘hatbal' (helpless) despite (BJP-led Mahayuti) having a brute majority. Despite several instances of corruption, the CM is helpless to act against corrupt individuals."

He also alleged that the Fadnavis government had failed to support farmers affected by heavy rains and floods.

Responding to criticism that he had abandoned the Hindutva fold after his alliance with the Congress and NCP (SP) in 2019, Thackeray claimed it was the BJP that had started the ‘Saugat-e Modi' campaign to appease Muslims.

"I do not require any certificate on Hindutva from the BJP. My grandfather (Prabhodankar Thackeray) was a well-known reformer. Our Hindutva has been progressive," he said.

Thackeray also criticised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for "big talks" against Pakistan. Singh had earlier asserted that the NDA government demonstrated, through the 2016 surgical strike, 2019 Balakot airstrike, and the recent Operation Sindoor, that India can cross any border whenever necessary to protect citizens and safeguard the nation's unity and integrity.

Addressing a gathering of women, Thackeray said the state government provided financial assistance during elections for two to three months, merely to win votes.

"This is cheating. Ladki Bahins desperately need financial help. I hope PM Modi will announce some aid during his upcoming visit to Maharashtra," he added.

He said the Centre acted promptly when Bihar needed financial assistance.

"If you are providing assistance, do not restrict it to Bihar; extend it to all women in the country. These women are not paid voters," he said.

Addressing Sena (UBT) workers, Thackeray called for expanding the party network by setting up "shakhas" or branch offices.

Without naming Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, he said attempts to break the Shiv Sena will never succeed.

He said the Sena (UBT) can win the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra if it works hard.

"Vote theft is the result of illegal voting. Why can't we do the same thing that Rahul Gandhi ji has done? Find bogus voters. We won the Lok Sabha polls, but lost assembly polls, which were held shortly," he told party workers.

(With PTI inputs)