Uddhav Thackeray is an Indian politician and the son of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. He served as the 19th Chief Minister of Maharashtra, forming a coalition — the Maha Vikas Aghadi — with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Uddhav Thackeray entered politics in 2002 when he joined the Shiv Sena’s campaign as the in-charge of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and he was elected party head in 2013 following Balasaheb Thackeray’s death in 2012.
In 2022, three years after the Maha Vikas Aghadi government to power, the Shiv Sena the split, with senior leader Eknath Shinde rebelling along with several lawmakers. They joined hands with the BJP to form the government in Maharashtra. Today, Uddhav Thackeray’s party is know as the Shiv Sena (UBT). The rebels criticised Uddhav Thackeray partnering with centre-left parties such as the Congress and the NCP, which showed a softer approach to politics, a change from the party’s hardcore pro-Hindu image.
Besides politics, Uddhav Thackeray is a photographer, with two books to his credit and his work displayed in Mumbai’s top art galleries.
You hope this supposed change of heart is for real. I grew up in the 90’s when the Shiv Sena was responsible for a lot of riots, gunda-gardi and problems in Mumbai. Uddhav seems to be a much more secular-liberal leader than Bal Thackeray was. Shiv Sena cannot outdo the BJP in Hindutva-ness any more because the BJP is swung way too far to the right encouraging extreme gunda/goon culture in UP and the North. Shiv Sena’s best tactic is to adhere to their Marathi-ness and be more accepting of everyone with roots in Maharashtra including Muslims, Christians and Buddhists.
Many things are included in the article as a history of Shiva Sena. But the present scenario is different. The principles which were pursued by Late Bala Thakkeray had been discarded. Now a new principle had emerged. It reminds me Dritaratra of Mahabharatha. He was considered as unfit to rule by elders and the throne was given to his brother. He meekly accepted. But destiny took another turn and Dritarastra was made king. His only aim was that his son should become the king. He was ready to do anything to achieve his ambition. The Dritarastra of Shiva Sena also wanted the same thing that his son should take the oath as chief minister. For this he silenced all principles of Shiva Sena and cheated whoever against his ambition… Even after submerging all principles of Shiva Sena he couldn’t achieve his goal. The political parties, with whom he did compromise all Shiva Sena’s principles, didn’t consider that his son had requisite ability to take the oath as CM. By the time he had come to a long distance and the situation was such that he couldn’t rejoin BJP.. So he accepted the post of CM just to plan for his son’s crowning in future. It is a matter of future destiny. But he has to shed the principles of Hindutwa on which the party was surviving. Naturally he has to find new avenue for getting votes as he can not depend on Hindutwa. So the next choice was Muslims who have more voters after Hindus. even though a minority. But there is too much competition. Both his coalition partners congress and NCP were also after Muslim voters. It is sure that they don’t allow Shiva Sena to grab their votes. It is very difficult to tell further what will happen in future. So I am ending my comments.
The more you see shiv Sena, RSS news and photographs in the Print, more certain you can be that it is no news day and these page fillers are needed.
Uddhav has made it clear, the writing is on the wall. He is not here for anything particular which his father was of. Uddhav’s one and only goal is to be in power and ensure his son somehow manages to rein in. He knows deep within he or his son has no qualities that can qualify them to be CM of the state. Their speeches are way too dim when compared to their nearest relative and rival Raj Thackeray. Had they fought this election all by themselves, they know very well the scenario would have different. They never dared to ask for votes with Uddhav or Aditya as the CM face. Back stabbing BJP was easier task actually since Congress and NCP were anyways hungry for BJP’s blood/downfall and grab power. Uddhav choose the easier path. Forget Hindutva, Uddhav if needed will even offer Namaz or may declare Islamist terrorists as respectable persons like how Congress icon Digvijay Singh does. He would also follow Mani Shanker’s footsteps to praise Pakistan each time their terrorists hit our soil. Since Uddhav literally has nothing left in him. A vague empty pride and sense of utter insecurity took him here, and there is no return from this position.
I fully agree with this comment as I also observed the same thing.
What “change of heart”? Utter nonsense! There is no heart to change. the only reason for the latest move is to get power and take the opportunity to earn more corrupt money. All three parties have divided up the ATM portfolios nicely! Whoever trusted them have themselves to blame!
Tell this to ashok, the fake liberal prostrating in front of SS leadership, and praying day and night that this crooked coalition turns out to be successful.
As Far as I know over 20 MLAs of SS are keen to move, but are awaiting few more to break the party, they are extremely uncomfortable and feel out of place with the new love towards Congress and likes of Nawab Malik
Still it is a Congress govt. and the agitation is limited to BJP ruled states and Congress is sponsoring it.
No surprises.
May the Shiv Sena chart a more enlightened, inclusive, magnanimous way forward.