Mumbai, Jul 21 (PTI) Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam on Monday attacked Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray for “abandoning” the values of Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Addressing a news conference here, Nirupam accused Uddhav of betraying Bal Thackeray’s legacy by aligning with the Congress, which stands ideologically opposed to everything the Sena founder believed in.
Raj Thackeray, he said, has adopted an anti-Hindi and anti-Hindutva posture, contradicting the very foundation of Bal Thackeray’s political philosophy.
“The Thackeray brand was built on the convictions of Prabodhankar Thackeray and cemented by Balasaheb’s powerful leadership. But today’s Thackerays have abandoned those values for power, for alliances, and for political survival,” said Nirupam.
Taking a swipe at Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, he added, “The Thackeray brand is not about theatrics or self-pity. It is about decisive leadership and grassroots connect. The reality is Aaditya couldn’t even preserve the family’s hold in BMC or among legislators.” On Raj’s rally in Mira Road, Nirupam said this political drama is repeated before every BMC election, adding the people of Mumbai are not fooled anymore.
“Mumbai was, is, and will always remain an inseparable part of Maharashtra. Shiv Sena will strongly oppose any narrative to the contrary,” Nirupam asserted.
Nirupam said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is the true torchbearer of Bal Thackeray’s legacy.
“Eknath Shinde has taken bold, historic decisions for the upliftment of Marathi language, culture, and identity. He is the true symbol of Marathi pride today, not those who sit on the steps of the Assembly making a mockery of leadership,” he said.
Nirupam claimed when the Shiv Sena (UBT) controlled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from 1997-2022, a total of 131 Marathi medium schools shut down, there was a 40 per cent drop in enrolment of Marathi students.
He said BMC contracts were awarded to non-Marathi contractors, many allegedly connected to the Shiv Sena (UBT).
“This was nothing short of a betrayal of the Marathi manoos. And the public has not forgotten,” Nirupam said. PTI PR BNM
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