Shiv Sena (UBT) chief on Sunday responded to the question raised by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over why the former did not attend the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Last month, Shinde took a dig at Thackeray for not attending the recently-concluded Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj saying he was scared of calling himself a Hindu.
Responding to the remark, Thackeray on Sunday said he asked Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat that if he takes a holy dip, he would do it too but since he did not visit the grand festival so he also did not go.
"They ask me, did you not go to take a dip? I told Mohan Bhagwat that I would go there and take a dip, but he did not go, so I did not go either," Thackeray said.
Without naming Uddhav, Shinde said, "Those who skipped Maha Kumbh should be asked why they skipped it."
"They keep saying they are Hindus. Bal Thackeray proudly gave the slogan 'garv se kaho hum Hindu hain (proclaim it proudly that we are Hindu) but now they are scared of calling themselves a Hindu and call (Bal Thackeray) Hinduhriday Samrat," he added.
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Thackeray Responds To Fadnavis
The former Maharashtra Chief Minister also responded to a remark by CM Devendra Fadnavis who said that he was not Uddhav to stay ongoing projects.
Thackeray further challenged to announce farmers' loan waiver and financial assistance to women.
"Devendra Fadnavis said I am not Uddhav Thackeray, but you cannot be. Uddhav Thackeray is needed to complete work with strength," he said.
"If that's the case, then announce the farmers' loan waiver tomorrow. Announce giving ₹2100 to mothers and sisters. Which work have I postponed? I postponed the Aarey car shed. If it were up to me, I would have postponed Dharavi as well," he added.