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News18
20-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Come On, Kill Me': Uddhav Thackeray's Big Remark, Shinde Sena Says Already Finished
Last Updated: Both rival factions of the Shiv Sena traded heated barbs on the 59th Foundation Day of the party, with Uddhav Thackeray sending a challenge to Eknath Shinde. Both rival factions of the Shiv Sena traded heated barbs on the 59th Foundation Day of the party after Uddhav Thackeray accused Eknath Shinde of betraying the party, while the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister hit back by saying he 'abandoned" Hindutva. Speaking at the Foundation Day rally in Sion, Uddhav Thackeray recited a dialogue from the 1991 move Prahar, saying, 'Like Nana Patekar in the film, I am standing before these traitors and telling them, Come on, kill me." 'But if you dare attack me, come along with an ambulance like in the film starring Amitabh Bachchan, because you will meet the same fate," he added, terming the rally of Shinde Sena as a 'gathering of thieves". Uddhav Sena, which is rumoured to enter an alliance with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), said the BJP and Shinde Sena did not want Marathi parties to unite, referring to Raj Thackeray's recent meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. 'If you try to finish the Thackeray brand, we will finish off the BJP," he said. 'Already Finished': Shinde Hits Back Eknath Shinde, addressing a separate rally in Worli, hit back at Uddhav's remarks, saying there was no point in attacking someone who was already finished, hinting at the UBT faction's drubbing at the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. 'Someone told me that Uddhav said, 'come on, kill me'… maybe he just watched some English movie. He had gone to London for a vacation. What's the point of attacking someone who's already politically dead? The people of Maharashtra have already crushed you in the Assembly election," he said. Shinde said the UBT faction was entering an alliance with MNS as it was desperate for power. 'Balasaheb Thackeray opposed Congress, but those desperate for power aligned with that party as they are desperate for power. UBT has betrayed the Marathi people, Shiv Sena voters and have abandoned Hindutva," he said. The deputy CM also highlighted that Uddhav's remarks are used by Pakistan against India. 'Balasaheb Thackeray opposed Congress, but those desperate for power aligned with that party as they are desperate for power. UBT has betrayed the Marathi people, Shiv Sena voters and have abandoned Hindutva," he added. Fadnavis also downplayed Uddhav's remarks, saying, 'I do not reply to Bol Bachchan (empty talk), he is Bol Bachchan." The Shiv Sena split in 2022 after Eknath Shinde engineered a rebellion and joined the BJP with 40 MLAs, leading to the fall of Uddhav Thackeray's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Later on, Ajit Pawar also led a similar rebellion in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and joined the BJP. (with inputs from agencies) First Published: June 20, 2025, 15:20 IST
Indian Express
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Every daughter-in-law is my beloved sister': Deputy CM Eknath Shinde launches ‘Dowry-Free Maharashtra' campaign
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Thursday announced the launch of the 'Dowry-Free Maharashtra' campaign under the Shiv Sena Mahila Aghadi, the party's women's wing, to 'ensure those who harass our sisters are dealt with firmly'. Shinde formally launched the anti-dowry drive, and unveiled the campaign's official logo during the Shiv Sena's 59th Foundation Day event held in Worli. The deputy CM said the Shiv Sena Mahila Aghadi will implement the Dowry-Free Maharashtra campaign across the state. The announcement comes against the backdrop of the death of Vaishnavi Hagawane in Pune, allegedly due to dowry harassment. According to the police, Vaishnavi Hagawane allegedly died by suicide at her in-laws' house in the Pune district on May 16. Shinde said that after Hagawane's death, the entire state of Maharashtra was shaken. 'From now on, every daughter-in-law of Maharashtra is my beloved sister. The campaign will kick start from Anand Ashram in Thane, and will be expanded across the state through the Sena shakhas. Every Sena shakha will now be the first maternal home for our beloved daughters-in-law who are facing dowry-related harassment. Our Mahila Aghadi will ensure those who harass our sisters are dealt with firmly,' Shinde said. He said that to prevent dowry-related deaths, the Sena's women's wing will reach every corner of Maharashtra, and fight for the rights of women who are being harassed for dowry. It will provide legal support, drive public awareness, and deliver justice for dowry‑harassed women. The NCP (SP), led by party MP Supriya Sule, has also launched a statewide anti‑dowry campaign called 'Dowry‑Free, Violence‑Free Maharashtra.' It's set to begin Sunday, June 22, and run for a full year, aiming to cultivate cross-party unity and lasting awareness against dowry and harassment of women.
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Sena Foundation Day: Uddhav hints at alliance with MNS, vows to reclaim Mumbai
Dropping yet another hint about a possible alliance with his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the BJP and the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, declaring his intent to 'reclaim Mumbai at any cost' and accusing opponents of trying to derail a potential alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to prevent Marathi unity. Speaking at the 59th Foundation Day of the Shiv Sena, Thackeray indirectly hinted at a union, without explicitly naming the MNS or its leader. 'If we stand united today to preserve the importance of Mumbai, only then can we stop this onslaught… Will that (the alliance) happen? I will do what is in your heart and in the heart of the state,' he said. Thackeray alleged that attempts were being made behind closed doors to block the alliance. 'The servants are working and holding meetings in hotels,' he said, a veiled reference to last week's meeting between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Raj Thackeray at a Mumbai hotel. Declaring that his party was fully prepared to fight the upcoming elections, Thackeray said, 'They fear for Adani if we win Mumbai. That's why they are trying to divide the Marathi people. But we will reclaim Mumbai.' Taking on the Centre on its language policy, Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to divide Hindus by making Hindi compulsory in Maharashtra. 'This is another form of 'Katenge toh batenge'… Earlier, they used this line to polarise Hindus and Muslims. Now, by forcing Hindi, they are creating divisions within Hindus,' he said. He dared the BJP to impose Hindi in Gujarat before experimenting with it in Maharashtra. 'We will not allow Hindi to be made compulsory here,' he said. Thackeray also took a jibe at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling a function organised by his camp as 'a gathering of thieves'. Without naming Shinde, he said, 'I pity those who change their fathers and have no political heirs. BJP does the same.' He reminded the BJP of its unfulfilled promise of a rotational CM's post during the 2019 alliance talks. 'The country today needs a Prime Minister, not someone who uses the office for personal gains. India needs a Home Minister, not someone who takes pride in breaking parties.' Turning his fire on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thackeray recalled the aftermath of terror attacks on Indian tourists in Kashmir and the standoff with Pakistan. 'You tied the hands of our army. One call from Donald Trump, and you became silent. What's the use of such a PM or Home Minister,' he said. He mocked the BJP for allegedly inducting tainted individuals, referring to former Sena (UBT) leader Sudhakar Badgujar, who was once linked by the BJP to Dawood Ibrahim's aide Salim Kutta. 'Are you setting up stalls outside jails? Will you enrol Dawood next,' Thackeray said.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Uddhav is desperate for power, changes colours like chameleon: Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday dubbed his rival and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray as a "betrayer", accusing him of being desperate for power and changing colours like a chameleon. Speaking at the 59th Foundation Day of the party, he said while self-confidence led him and his party to success, Thackeray's ego led him to his destruction. He also taunted Thackeray, saying he was eager to have an alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls. "He is so desperate that he is seeking alliances," he said in a veiled reference to the possibility of Sena (UBT)'s alliance with the MNS led by Uddhav's estranged cousin Raj Thackeray. Also Read | Question mark over the future of MVA amid talks of new alliances Shinde said the ruling Shiv Sena functioned on the ideology of party founder Bal Thackeray, while the other side was desperate for power. ''We have the Shiv Sena bow and arrow symbol and people's support. We have protected Balasaheb's ideology,'' he said. He said the Sena (UBT) did not even get one third of the votes polled by his Shiv Sena in the 2024 assembly polls. "Whatever votes they got were because of the Congress as the real Shiv Sena voters have bid them good bye,'' he said. Shinde said he has self-confidence, while the other side has ego. "Self-confidence has give us success, while ego has led to their destruction. Balasaheb opposed Congress, but those desperate for power aligned with that party. Sena (UBT) has betrayed Marathi people, Shiv Sena voters and Hindutva,'' he alleged. Also Read | Uddhav rallies Shiv Sena (UBT) cadre for BMC polls, pitches 'Marathi pride' Shinde said he has never seen a "betrayer'' like Uddhav Thackeray, who changes colours very easily like a chameleon as he wants only money. "Those who are helpless for power cannot be Balasaheb's heirs," he said. The deputy CM said he will never compromise on Hindutva for power. "They consider BMC as golden goose. Mumbai and its importance is not under threat, but their politics and finances will come under threat as their soul is in the BMC treasury, while our soul is Hindutva. There will be no compromise on it,'' he said. Is Hindutva a T-shirt that you can wear or remove any time, he asked, referring to Thackeray's statement that he has not quit Hindutva. "Why do you hesitate to call Balasaheb as Hindu Hriday Samrat (emperor of Hindu hearts). You join hands with those who abuse (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi and (Union minister Amit) Shah, who fulfilled Balasaheb's dream of Ram temple and abrogation of Article 370, and with those who abuse Savarkar and Hindu religion,'' he said. He also mocked Uddhav Thackeray's ''kill me" remark and said mere talk is not enough. "You need a tiger's heart and strength in your wrist. How can we kill someone who is already dead? People of the state have already finished them in the assembly provoke me. If someone does that, I don't leave them. I have already upturned your horse carriage and taken away your horses," he said. Shinde questioned why Thackeray did not visit the families of the tourists killed in the Pahalgam attack. "Where were you? Where was your patriotism and love for Marathi that time?" he asked. After Operation Sindoor, Balasaheb would have praised PM Modi, whereas the Congress was questioning the armed forces and abusing him, he alleged. "Are you an Indian or a Pakistani agent? Pakistan uses your statements against India. Rahul Gandhi has become a hero in Pakistan but is a zero in India," he said. Shinde praised his son and Lok Sabha member Shrikant Shinde and Rajya Sabha member Milind Deora for being part of the all-party delegation after Operation Sindoor. Just like the Ladki Bahin scheme, the party has launched a Ladki Soon (daughter-in-law) scheme and it will fight for women facing domestic abuse, he said. He said 50 former corporators of the undivided Shiv Sena have joined his party. "We will fight to win the local body elections. Decision on alliance will be taken at appropriate time," he said. "Balasaheb's ideology is our wealth," he said. Shinde asked his supporters not to get carried away by the assembly election results. "Get ready to win the local body elections," he said.
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Sena Foundation Day: Uddhav hints at alliance with MNS, vows to reclaim Mumbai
Dropping yet another hint about a possible alliance with his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the BJP and the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, declaring his intent to 'reclaim Mumbai at any cost' and accusing opponents of trying to derail a potential alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to prevent Marathi unity. Speaking at the 59th Foundation Day of the Shiv Sena, Thackeray indirectly hinted at a union, without explicitly naming the MNS or its leader. 'If we stand united today to preserve the importance of Mumbai, only then can we stop this onslaught… Will that (the alliance) happen? I will do what is in your heart and in the heart of the state,' he said. Thackeray alleged that attempts were being made behind closed doors to block the alliance. 'The servants are working and holding meetings in hotels,' he said, a veiled reference to last week's meeting between Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Raj Thackeray at a Mumbai hotel. Declaring that his party was fully prepared to fight the upcoming elections, Thackeray said, 'They fear for Adani if we win Mumbai. That's why they are trying to divide the Marathi people. But we will reclaim Mumbai.' Taking on the Centre on its language policy, Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to divide Hindus by making Hindi compulsory in Maharashtra. 'This is another form of 'Katenge toh batenge'… Earlier, they used this line to polarise Hindus and Muslims. Now, by forcing Hindi, they are creating divisions within Hindus,' he said. He dared the BJP to impose Hindi in Gujarat before experimenting with it in Maharashtra. 'We will not allow Hindi to be made compulsory here,' he said. Thackeray also took a jibe at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling a function organised by his camp as 'a gathering of thieves'. Without naming Shinde, he said, 'I pity those who change their fathers and have no political heirs. BJP does the same.' He reminded the BJP of its unfulfilled promise of a rotational CM's post during the 2019 alliance talks. 'The country today needs a Prime Minister, not someone who uses the office for personal gains. India needs a Home Minister, not someone who takes pride in breaking parties.' Turning his fire on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thackeray recalled the aftermath of terror attacks on Indian tourists in Kashmir and the standoff with Pakistan. 'You tied the hands of our army. One call from Donald Trump, and you became silent. What's the use of such a PM or Home Minister,' he said. He mocked the BJP for allegedly inducting tainted individuals, referring to former Sena (UBT) leader Sudhakar Badgujar, who was once linked by the BJP to Dawood Ibrahim's aide Salim Kutta. 'Are you setting up stalls outside jails? Will you enroll Dawood next,' Thackeray said.
