A new controversy has erupted in Maharashtra’s heated election atmosphere as the BJP took aim at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray for remarks made during a security check incident. Thackeray’s bags were inspected by officials at a Yavatmal helipad on Monday, following the model code of conduct for the state’s upcoming assembly elections. Thackeray, visibly irritated by the process, recorded and shared a video of the incident on social media, questioning why leaders in power, like PM Narendra Modi, HM Amit Shah, and Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, are not subjected to similar scrutiny.
In a mocking tone, Thackeray asked the officials if they would like to inspect his “urine pot” along with other belongings, suggesting that officials might as well check his helicopter’s fuel tank. His comments sparked immediate backlash from the BJP. Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT cell, reacted sharply, stating, “His language is worse than a street lout’s,” and calling Thackeray’s words “disgraceful.”
Thackeray later addressed the incident at an election rally, clarifying that he respected the officials’ duty but felt frustrated by what he described as selective targeting. “I am not angry at the system. They are doing their work; I am doing mine,” he stated. Adding to his father’s remarks, Aaditya Thackeray, MLA from Worli, also criticized the authorities for what he called biased action against opposition leaders.
With Maharashtra set to vote on November 20, the verbal sparring between Uddhav Thackeray’s faction and the BJP underscores the intense rivalry shaping this election. This incident further fuels the debate on the state’s political climate, with allegations of selective enforcement and heightened scrutiny of opposition leaders.