The political landscape of Maharashtra is once again abuzz with activity, particularly ahead of the upcoming BMC and other municipal corporation elections. On Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray announced their alliance, sharing a common platform. Uddhav Thackeray stated that they've come together to stay united forever. Following this announcement, political circles have been rife with speculation, and now, the first statement from the state's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has emerged, Notably downplaying the importance of this new political alignment.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted to Uddhav and Raj Thackeray coming together by expressing his pleasure at their unity. However, he quickly clarified that their alliance wouldn't bring about any significant change. Fadnavis took a jibe at the media's coverage of the alliance, remarking, "Some channels were showing it as if Russia and Ukraine are coming together. Nothing much is going to happen with them coming together, while " He emphasized that despite the hype, this alliance wouldn't lead to any major political upheaval in Maharashtra, contrary to what some might be predicting.
Questioning the Motives: 'Not About Mumbai, Not About Marathi'
Devendra Fadnavis also questioned the underlying motives behind the Thackeray brothers' alliance. He stated, "No one will come together. I've said it before, and I say it again, their intention isn't Mumbai, their intention isn't Marathi. " Through this statement, Fadnavis implied that the alliance isn't driven by the interests of Mumbai or the Marathi people, but rather by other personal or political self-serving agendas. He referenced a previous statement where he had challenged Uddhav Thackeray to speak on development issues, offering a thousand rupees, and noted that he had once again avoided the topic. Fadnavis added that the whole world is aware of their true priorities.
Emphasizing His Hindutva Identity
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also spoke openly about his Hindutva identity. He firmly declared, "Devendra Fadnavis was born a Hindu and will die a Hindu. Mumbai and Maharashtra are Hindutvawadi, while " He took a dig at those who attempt to exploit Hindutva for their own gain, stating that everyone witnessed their fate in the assembly. Fadnavis clarified his definition of Hindutva, asserting that his Hindutva isn't narrow-minded or solely based on rituals and worship. He explained that his Hindutva is rooted in Indian culture, and for him, Lord Ram isn't just a deity but an ideology. He reiterated that he has never abandoned Hindutva and never will.
Alliance for Survival, Not Victory
Fadnavis characterized the alliance as a coming together of parties that have lost their relevance, while he stated, "The two parties that have lost their existence, repeatedly changed their stance and lost trust, and adopted appeasement politics thereby losing their vote bank, have now come together. " According to him, these two factions have united solely to preserve their own existence, and such actions don't lead to electoral victories. He described Uddhav Thackeray as a frustrated and disheartened individual, advising people not to pay attention to his words and not to waste their time. Fadnavis further commented that after the late Balasaheb Thackeray, neither Raj Thackeray nor Uddhav Thackeray. Have any ideology left, suggesting they've buried ideological politics in favor of opportunistic politics.
