In a series of powerful statements, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has vowed to protect religious properties across India, including those belonging to the Waqf Board, temples, and other religious institutions. Thackeray, speaking at a public event, emphasized his commitment to safeguarding these properties, saying, “I am announcing that be it Waqf Board or any temple or other religious property, I will not let anyone touch those properties at any cost. This is my promise.”
Thackeray’s remarks come at a time of growing concerns over the protection of religious assets in the country. Highlighting the issue further, he referred to allegations of theft at the Kedarnath temple, stating, “This is not a question of just the Board. It’s a matter of our temples also, as Sankaracharya says that 200 kg of gold was stolen from Kedarnath. That should also be investigated.”
In a scathing critique of his former alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Thackeray expressed his disillusionment with the BJP’s approach to power-sharing. Reflecting on his experience in the alliance, he said, “After our experience of alliance with BJP, we are of the view that we should not follow the policy of CM post for the party with the most number of MLAs in the alliance.” Thackeray accused the BJP of undermining its allies to secure the Chief Minister’s position, adding, “In several past elections, with an alliance with BJP, we have experienced that to make the maximum number of MLAs, parties themselves try to put their other allies’ candidates down. So I will not be in favour that the party with the most number of MLAs should get the CM post.”
Thackeray also took aim at the BJP-led Mahayuti government, challenging them to a debate on their respective contributions to the country and the state. He criticized the ruling coalition for delaying important electoral processes, saying, “Let’s discuss what you (Mahayuti) do and what we do (Maha Vikas Aghadi) for the country and state. They are not conducting Municipal Corporation elections, and they have not yet decided the upcoming election dates (for State Assembly elections).”
Thackeray’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion, with political analysts viewing them as a clear signal of his intent to assert Shiv Sena (UBT)’s independence and challenge the BJP’s dominance in Maharashtra’s political landscape. As the state gears up for upcoming elections, Thackeray’s statements are likely to resonate with voters concerned about the protection of religious properties and the dynamics of political alliances.