Uddhav Thackeray slams BJP, says hunger for power is like ‘addiction’; Demand for debate on federalism
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday launched a scathing attack against his former ally the BJP, saying the hunger for power is “addictive” and challenging it to topple his coalition government which will soon complete two years. Will do Stating that the BJP did not understand either Veer Savarkar or Mahatma Gandhi, Thackeray, speaking at the annual Dussehra rally of his party Shiv Sena at Shanmukhanand Hall here, said he was proud of his Hindutva ideology but as chief minister he worked with every citizen. treated equally.
Referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent statement that all Indians had common ancestors, Thackeray asked, “Did the ancestors of opposition parties and farmers come from a different planet? Struggle for power is not good. Addiction to power.” It’s like an addiction.” In drug addiction you destroy yourself and your family. But the hunger for power destroys the families of others.”
Notably, Thackeray, who heads the Shiv Sena, said that it and the RSS had similar ideologies, but different paths. He said the BJP is now targeting Shiv Sena and accusing it of being corrupt after the two parties parted ways. “We were good when we chased you… Don’t use ED (Enforcement Directorate). Attack from the front. Our government will complete two years next month despite many attempts to topple it. I dare you to bring it down.” I am,” the Chief Minister said.
Thackeray said the BJP should not challenge his Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress coalition government by using central investigative agencies. He said he would like to congratulate West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the people of her state for standing with the BJP, and urged Shiv Sena workers and the people of Maharashtra to follow the example.
He also said that Hindus in the country are now in real danger because “those who climbed the ladder of power by using Hindutva will now adopt the British policy of divide and rule”. Thackeray alleged that the BJP (its predecessor) did not contribute to the freedom struggle.
“Merely chanting Bharat Mata ki Jai and Vande Mataram does not make you more patriotic than the soldiers guarding our borders,” he said. “You have not understood Savarkar or Gandhi… when you have no contribution (in the freedom struggle), what right do you have to speak about Gandhi or Savarkar,” he said.
Thackeray’s remarks came days after Defense Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that Gandhi had advised Vinayak Damodar Savarkar to file mercy petitions to the British while the future Hindutva ideologue was lodged in the Cellular Jail in Andaman.
The Maharashtra chief minister also demanded an open debate on centre-state relations and federal structure as well as atrocities against women as the country celebrates 75 years of independence. “The interference of the Center in the powers of the states should be discussed,” he said.
He said, “I am a supporter of Hindutva and I am not ashamed of it. But as Chief Minister I treat everyone equally. Our Hindutva teaches us equality.” The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP was maligning the image of Maharashtra after its failed attempts to topple his government.
Thackeray also ridiculed the BJP for fielding former Shiv Sena MLA Subhash Sabane in the upcoming Deglur Assembly bypoll in the state. The “world’s largest political party” has to import candidates even for assembly by-elections, he said. He asked Shiv Sena workers to avoid division on Marathi and non-Marathi lines. “We have to build the unity of the Marathi people and Hindus,” he said.
He also took a dig at BJP leader and his predecessor Devendra Fadnavis’s remarks that he still thinks he is the chief minister. “I pray to God that I never feel that I am the chief minister. I want to be known as your brother and family member,” Thackeray told the audience.
The chief minister also referred to the BJP questioning his government after the recent drug seizure incidents in Mumbai in which actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan was arrested. He asked whether the drug menace existed only in Maharashtra.
“The state police have recently seized medicines worth Rs 150 crore, while the focus is only on arresting celebrities. Where is Mundra port where medicines worth crores of rupees have been seized,” Thackeray said.
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