Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will head to New Delhi on August 6 to take part in a key meeting of the INDIA alliance, as opposition leaders prepare to chart their next course of action in the aftermath of serious allegations raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi against the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Thackeray is scheduled to remain in the national capital until August 8, during which time he is expected to engage in high-level discussions with top opposition figures. His visit comes at a politically sensitive moment, as the INDIA bloc seeks to build unity ahead of upcoming assembly elections and respond collectively to growing tensions between the opposition and the Centre.
The development was confirmed by UBT MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday. “Uddhav ji will be in Delhi from the 6th to the 8th. These meetings are crucial, especially in the context of what Rahul Gandhi has revealed,” Raut said, referencing Gandhi’s recent claim that he has “conclusive evidence” of the Election Commission’s alleged bias in favor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the recent elections.
Rahul Gandhi’s allegations—which include accusations of direct collusion and threats of legal action against election officials involved in alleged misconduct—have sparked sharp reactions. The Election Commission has categorically denied the charges, instructing its officers to disregard such claims and continue performing their duties impartially.
Meanwhile, Raut used the occasion to launch a fiery attack on Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, particularly over his remarks regarding BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. Fadnavis had reportedly assured Dubey of complete protection if he visits Mumbai amid growing criticism over his controversial statements on the Marathi language issue.
Raut responded sharply: “If you are trying to intimidate us over the Marathi language, be warned—we’re ready to fight back. Our forefathers laid down their lives in the Samyukta Maharashtra movement. Are you going to shoot us too, like those 108 martyrs?”
He further accused the BJP government of favoring outsiders like Dubey while disregarding the voices of Maharashtra’s own representatives. “They welcome Nishikant Dubey with red carpets, but ignore the pleas of elected MPs from this state,” Raut alleged.
