Uddhav Thackeray, president of the Shiv Sena (UBT), compared the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to an "amoeba," claiming the BJP-led front lacks a distinct shape and size, news agency PTI reported. Thackeray slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for referring to the opposition INDIA coalition as "ghamandia" (characterised by arrogance) and "Indian Mujahideen," saying the NDA should be referred to as "ghama-NDA" ("ghamandiye" meaning arrogant).
He also questioned Telangana Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K Chandrashekar Rao if he supported the INDIA coalition or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a rally in Hingoli, Maharashtra.
"The INDIA alliance comprises nationalist parties that want to protect democracy in the country. But most parties in the NDA comprise traitors and those who have joined the BJP as allies by breaking other parties," Thackeray was quoted by PTI in its report.
"The present NDA is like an amoeba, which has no definite shape and size. The INDIA alliance will defeat the BJP," he said.
The former chief minister asked BRS head Rao to choose between fighting for the country or backing the BJP.
"If you are with the country, then join the INDIA alliance or declare your alliance with the BJP openly. Don't divide votes," Thackeray said referring to the BRS's attempt to enter Maharashtra politics.
The BRS should first focus on its own backyard, which is in poor condition, according to Sena (UBT) president.
Thackeray urged people to join the INDIA coalition in order to defend democracy and the Constitution.
"The opposition bloc hasn't united against PM Modi, but for the sake of the country," he said.
Thackeray further chastised the BJP administration for permitting an India-Pakistan cricket match in Ahmedabad during the upcoming World Cup.
The INDIA alliance summit will be conducted on August 31 and September 1 in Mumbai. On August 31, Thackeray will host a dinner for the leaders.