In the wake of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has asserted his party's resilience, proclaiming that the BJP cannot "finish off" the Shiv Sena. Speaking to party workers days after the BMC poll results, Thackeray vowed to continue the fight in Mumbai, maintaining that the BJP could not "buy loyalty".
Thackeray's remarks follow the BJP's emergence as the single largest party in the BMC, winning 89 seats in the 227-member house. In alliance with the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which secured 29 seats, the BJP ended Thackeray's decades-long control over India's richest civic body. The Shiv Sena (UBT) won 65 seats, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, secured six.
Addressing party workers, Thackeray stated that the BJP was mistaken if it thought it could wipe out Shiv Sena (UBT), calling it "an idea, not just a party". He alleged the use of money power, flawed voter lists, and attempts to "swallow Mumbai" in the civic polls. He also accused the BJP of trying to "mortgage Mumbai". Despite the loss, Thackeray expressed satisfaction that his party made the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena front "sweat". He added that the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance fought better than anticipated.
Thackeray also criticized "defectors" for undermining Maharashtra. He stated that it was not outsiders but defectors who were being used to finish his party. He further added that power comes and goes, but once a name is erased, it never returns.
Uddhav Thackeray also touched upon the importance of Marathi identity, stating that attempts were underway to impose a non-Marathi culture on Maharashtra. He urged everyone to use the slogan "Jai Maharashtra" as a greeting.
Raj Thackeray, chief of the MNS, echoed similar sentiments, stating that it was Balasaheb Thackeray who first thought of uniting Hindus. He also compared the political climate in Maharashtra to an "auction". Despite his disappointment with the poll results, Raj Thackeray vowed to continue fighting for Marathi pride.
