New Delhi: Amid growing buzz around a potential alliance between the Thackeray cousins ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray made a major political statement from Delhi on Thursday.
'Me & Raj Are Capable Of Making Our Decisions,' Says Uddhav
Speaking during his three-day visit to the capital, Uddhav indicated that he and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray are capable of making decisions together, without needing any third-party intervention.
“There’s no compulsion in the INDIA alliance. Raj and I are more than capable of making our own decisions. We are brothers, strong enough to take action when needed. No one else is required,” Uddhav said, fueling speculation about a joint Thackeray front in the upcoming BMC polls after a 20-year split.
Uddhav's Remarks Hit At Sena UBT-MNS Alliance
While an official announcement of the alliance is still awaited, Uddhav’s remarks are being seen as a clear signal of growing proximity between the estranged cousins, who had parted ways in 2006 after a bitter fallout. If formalised, their partnership could significantly alter the political equation in Mumbai during the BMC polls.
Uddhav is in Delhi to attend the INDIA bloc’s strategy meeting and is scheduled to dine with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with other senior leaders. During his visit, he is also meeting Shiv Sena UBT MPs to discuss poll strategy and national issues.
Uddhav Slams Centre's Foreign Policy
Apart from his remarks on the Thackeray alliance, Uddhav used the Delhi platform to launch a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, particularly over its foreign policy. “The government has failed miserably on diplomatic fronts. Trump mocks Modi publicly, and our leaders don’t even respond. They don’t question anything. Who is really running the country?” he asked.
He accused the Modi government of lacking decisive leadership in times of crisis. “After the Pahalgam attack, Modi went to campaign in Bihar. A true Prime Minister would’ve gone to Pahalgam. What we have now are campaign ministers, not national leaders,” he said.
Slamming the government for its double standards, Uddhav added, “We stopped cricket matches with Pakistan when terror attacks were rising. Even Sushma Swaraj supported that stand. But now, BJP ministers’ children are watching Pakistan matches in Dubai. Is this what patriotism looks like?”
