‘Modern Duryodhan’: Shinde Sena’s Barb As Uddhav-Raj Hint Reunion, But Party Leader Backs Move For ‘Marathi Manoos’
The Shiv Sena criticised Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of impeding Raj Thackeray's growth within the party amid speculations of a possible reconciliation between the estranged Thackeray cousins.
The Shiv Sena on Monday launched a scathing attack on Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, branding him a “modern Duryodhan” and accusing him of stifling his cousin Raj Thackeray’s political rise within the undivided party once led by Bal Thackeray. Addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena spokesperson and Thane MP Naresh Mhaske alleged that Uddhav Thackeray’s recent outreach to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray reflects a desperate bid to remain politically relevant amidst his party’s declining support base.
“Sena (UBT) doesn’t have crowd-pulling leaders. This realisation has prompted them to turn towards Raj Thackeray. The party is facing an existential crisis in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha,” Mhaske said, as per news agency PTI.
The remarks come in the wake of fresh speculation about a possible reconciliation between the estranged Thackeray cousins. Their recent statements suggest a willingness to set aside minor differences and work together, nearly two decades after a bitter political rift.
Mhaske further alleged, “He [Uddhav Thackeray] never allowed his brother Raj Thackeray to rise within the party, even when Balasaheb Thackeray had proposed giving him key responsibilities. Uddhav opposed it tooth and nail.” He added that Raj Thackeray would not fall for the Sena (UBT)’s overtures now. “He was thrown out of the undivided Sena. Now they want him to board a sinking ship—but Raj is not a naive politician,” he remarked.
Mhaske also took aim at Shiv Sena (UBT)’s position on Hindutva, accusing the party of hypocrisy. “They didn’t support the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. They are also opposing the introduction of Hindi as a medium of instruction from classes 1 to 5 for political gains. Hindi is already taught after class V. They are trying to create an atmosphere just for votes,” he alleged.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was also targeted, with Mhaske calling him an “absentee leader” who makes statements from abroad but fails to raise important issues in Parliament. “The Sena (UBT) is creating fake narratives because they are rattled by the rising popularity of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde,” he added.
Shiv Sena’s Ramdas Kadam Backs Thackeray Cousins’ Reunion for ‘Marathi Manoos’
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam expressed support for a potential reunion between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, stating it would be in the interest of the Marathi manoos. “If two brothers are going to unite, then it will definitely be in the interest of Marathi manoos,” he said, as per PTI.
Kadam recalled that during his tenure in the undivided Shiv Sena under Uddhav’s leadership, he and MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar had made concerted efforts to bring the cousins together. “However, Uddhav Thackeray never responded positively,” he said.
Referring to the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s poor performance in the state assembly elections, Kadam said, “Since Uddhav has lost everything, he is trying to salvage the remains of his party with Raj’s help.” He added, “Raj Thackeray is a large-hearted person, but Uddhav will never allow him to grow.” Kadam also opined that had Raj Thackeray been made executive president of the Shiv Sena in 2003, the party would not have split.
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