Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a blistering attack on Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday, branding him a “helpless” chief minister who has failed to act against rampant corruption in the state.
Speaking at a series of gatherings with women and party workers in Pune, Thackeray also demanded that the Centre extend financial assistance to women in Maharashtra, similar to welfare schemes announced in poll-bound Bihar.
“The state government provided financial help to women only for two to three months during elections, just to win votes. This is cheating. Women genuinely need assistance. I hope PM Modi will announce some aid during his visit to Maharashtra,” Thackeray said.
Addressing journalists at an interaction organised by the Pune Union of Working Journalists, Thackeray rejected BJP’s criticism of his Hindutva credentials. “I don’t need any certificate on Hindutva from the BJP. My grandfather was a reformer, and our Hindutva has always been progressive. BJP is the one that started the ‘Saugat-e Modi’ campaign to appease Muslims,” he claimed.
Taking aim at the Centre, Thackeray alleged that the Narendra Modi government has failed to resolve issues in Kashmir and Manipur, and accused the BJP of pushing the country towards dictatorship. “India is a beautiful country with a great culture, but BJP has vitiated the atmosphere and created walls within the country. They cannot run governments at the state or Centre,” he said.
Turning his focus back to Fadnavis, the former Maharashtra CM remarked: “Despite having a brute majority, the chief minister looks ‘hatbal’ (helpless). Even with several corruption cases exposed, he is unable to act against the culprits.” He also accused the state government of ignoring the plight of farmers hit by floods and heavy rains.
On the national security front, Thackeray dismissed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s rhetoric against Pakistan. “Big talks won’t help. What is needed is action and accountability,” he said.
He further urged his party workers to expand the Sena (UBT)’s network across Maharashtra by setting up more local branches (“shakhas”) and asserted that attempts to break the party would never succeed.
Thackeray concluded by reiterating his demand that women across India deserve the same financial assistance being extended to women in Bihar. “These women are not paid voters. Relief should not be restricted to Bihar alone,” he insisted.
