BJP Awarded Bharat Ratna To Karpoori Thakur For Votes In Bihar: Uddhav Thackeray

Uddhav Thackeray made remarks regarding Hindutva and its reception within the Muslim community, drawing a clear distinction between Shiv Sena's ideology and that of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

File photo of Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray

Source : pti

New Delhi: Following the announcement of Bharat Ratna to former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government of awarding the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, to Karpoori Thakur as a means to court voters in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. 

While addressing a gathering of Shiv Sena workers, Thackeray said, "Earlier there were rules on how many Bharat Ratna could be awarded and to whom and when they could be awarded. PM Narendra Modi is awarding it to whoever comes to his mind", reported ANI.

However, he further added that he is happy that Karpoori Thakur is being acknowledged after so many years. "I am not saying that whoever has been conferred with the Bharat Ratna is wrong. They need votes in Bihar that's why Bharat Ratna has been awarded to Karpoori Thakur," Thackeray remarked.

Muslim Community Supports Shiv Sena's Brand Of Hindutva: Uddhav Thackeray

Uddhav Thackeray made remarks regarding Hindutva and its reception within the Muslim community, drawing a clear distinction between Shiv Sena's ideology and that of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

Speaking at a gathering of Shiv Sena workers, Thackeray emphasised that the Muslim community supports Shiv Sena's brand of Hindutva, which he described as one that "lights the stoves in their homes", whereas the BJP's Hindutva as one that "burns their homes", reported ANI.

As per ANI, Thackeray went on to say, "The Muslim community is coming with us. I ask them don't you know that I am the party chief of Shiv Sena and the son of a 'Hindu Hriday Samrat'. I am a staunch Hindu myself so why are you coming with me? They say that we have come to know that there is a difference between your Hindutva and the Hindutva of BJP".

 He further said that Ram is in our hearts and this is our Hindutva, and we are patriotic Hindus, reported ANI.