The political rivalry between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena has reached a new crescendo as Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray issued a dramatic ultimatum to BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis. At a meeting of Shiv Sena office bearers on Wednesday, Thackeray launched a direct challenge, declaring a high-stakes ‘R or Par’ (win or perish) battle, setting the stage for an intense political showdown.
Thackeray’s challenge was unequivocal: “Either Fadnavis will remain in politics, or I will. I have endured everything and stood firm. Now, it’s a matter of who will stay and who will go.” This statement underscores the deepening acrimony between the two leaders, reflecting their mutual disdain and ongoing power struggle.
In his fiery address, Thackeray did not shy away from targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He expressed his discontent, saying, “They are unworthy of taking Balasaheb’s name. They want to end Shiv Sena, using power, money, and government machinery. But I have my activists with me.”
Thackeray also criticized Modi indirectly, hinting at plans to undermine his position. “You want to end Shiv Sena, but remember, activists cannot be bought like MLAs and MPs,” he asserted. His remarks point to his frustration with the BJP’s strategy and his determination to fight back.
Further intensifying the rhetoric, Thackeray lambasted Eknath Shinde, suggesting that Shinde’s quest for power was driven by personal ambitions rather than genuine concern for the people. “Bootchatas hit his mother’s pillow for a chair,” Thackeray said, indicating his belief that Shinde’s pursuit of power was opportunistic.
In a move reflecting his commitment to challenging the status quo, Thackeray announced the cancellation of the Dharavi redevelopment project, a major initiative previously championed by his opponents. He also promised to nullify the tender of inputs and criticized the “Contractor Maja Ladak Yojana,” branding it as a failure.
The ongoing battle between Thackeray and Fadnavis illustrates the high-stakes nature of Maharashtra politics, with both leaders positioning themselves as champions of their respective causes. The upcoming months are likely to witness heightened political activity and more dramatic confrontations as the rivalry between the Shiv Sena and BJP continues to unfold.