A file image of Raj Thackeray (right) with BJP's Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.
Credit: PTI Photo
Thane: Staying away from targeting the BJP, MNS President Raj Thackeray on Monday slammed Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar for taking control of the original parties founded by late Balasaheb Thackeray and Sharad Pawar.
“Eknath Shinde became the Chief Minister and took control of the Shiv Sena and the bow-and-arrow symbol…let me tell you, the party name and symbol is neither the property of Eknath Shinde nor Uddhav Thackeray…it is solely and solely the property of late Balasaheb Thackeray, who founded the Shiv Sena,” said Raj.
“I may have a lot of differences with Sharad Pawar…but again let me tell you, the name NCP and clock symbol are not of Ajit Pawar, who became the Deputy Chief Minister…it is of Sharad Pawar, who founded it,” added Raj.
“What is this?….Maharashtra was never like this…leaders take control of party, symbol and people…what is happening,” he said, slamming Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
Raj’s statement comes hours after Shiv Sena’s Sada Sarvankar refused to withdraw from Mahim, from where Raj's son Amit Thackeray is contesting - despite repeated requests by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who calls the shots in the BJP-led alliance.
Raj, however, refrained from speaking on the issue.
“Five year ago, you voted for two alliances (Maha Yuti and Democratic Front)…what happened leaders…do you know who is where ... .where and which side your vote is…they are taking people for granted,” he said.
Assembly Elections 2024 | The Maharashtra Assembly polls will take place against the backdrop of a fractured political landscape in the western state where the Shiv Sena and NCP will be going up against the Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar factions, even as the BJP and Congress try to make their mark. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the JMM faces a new challenge after Hemant Soren's recent arrest and Champai, a longstanding party member, joining the BJP. The Haryana election resulted in a shock loss for Congress, which was looking to galvanize on the Lok Sabha poll performance, while J&K also saw the grand old party eventually stepping away from the cabinet, with Omar Abdullah's JKNC forming government. It remains to be seen if the upcoming polls help BJP cement its position further or provide a fillip to I.N.D.I.A. Check live updates and track the latest coverage, live news, in-depth opinions, and analyses only on Deccan Herald.
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