Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray delivered a sharp warning to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, cautioning him against underestimating the “Marathi manus” (Marathi people). Speaking at a public gathering on Thursday to mark the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, Uddhav referred to himself as an “injured tiger” ready to strike back.
This rebuttal came in response to Amit Shah’s remarks during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, where he said the results would “show Uddhav Thackeray his place.”
Thackeray lashed out, saying, “Amit Shah said these elections will show me my place. Alright, Amit Shah ji, you will soon see what an injured tiger and his claws can do. Don’t mess with the Marathi manus. We forced Aurangzeb to kneel down; who is Amit Shah in comparison?”
Attack on EVMs and BJP’s Hindutva
Uddhav Thackeray also raised the contentious issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), challenging the BJP to conduct future elections using ballot papers. “If you have any shame, keep EVM aside and hold elections on the ballot paper,” Thackeray declared.
Taking a dig at the BJP’s stance on Hindutva, he said, “Those who spread Hindu-Muslim enmity cannot call themselves Hindu. Our Hindutva is pure and clean.”
The former Maharashtra Chief Minister criticized the BJP for allegedly sowing communal discord, adding that such actions were contrary to the values of true Hindutva.
Post-Election Challenges
The Shiv Sena (UBT) faced a crushing defeat in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, securing only 20 seats, compared to the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s overwhelming victory with 235 seats. This result led to widespread criticism from within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition regarding the legitimacy of EVMs.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, however, dismissed these concerns earlier this month, labeling the demand to revert to ballot papers as “unwarranted and regressive.” He argued that such calls were designed to “derail” the election process.
The Road Ahead for Shiv Sena (UBT)
Despite setbacks, Thackeray’s fiery rhetoric signals a renewed push to galvanize support among his base, particularly emphasizing Marathi pride and the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray. As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to shift, the Shiv Sena (UBT) appears poised to mount a comeback, with Thackeray positioning himself as the voice of the “Marathi manus” against the BJP-led central government.