Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar has lashed out at Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of being a “vindictive leader” and a master of “hollow promises.” Shelar’s comments come in response to Thackeray’s recent Dussehra rally, where he called for a change in the Narendra Modi-led government at the Center.
Shelar pointed out that those who are losing power even at the Gram Panchayat level in Maharashtra are harboring unrealistic dreams of returning to power in the state and the country. He highlighted the exodus of MPs, MLAs, corporators, Zilla Parishad presidents, panchayat samiti members, and sarpanches from the Shiv Sena, questioning the party’s prospects even at the Gram Panchayat level. Shelar also called attention to Thackeray’s past promises, including those related to reservations, the appointment of a Shiv Sainik as Chief Minister, and farmer loan waivers. He noted that over 1,531 such promises had been made over the last decade, yet they remained unfulfilled, rendering Thackeray’s words empty and lacking credibility.
Regarding Thackeray’s remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shelar raised questions about the Shiv Sena leader’s relationships within his own family, including legal disputes and property disputes. He urged Thackeray to show respect to the Prime Minister and warned that if the disrespect continued, Shiv Sena leaders could expect similar treatment in return.
Furthermore, Shelar accused Thackeray of driving away potential industries from Mumbai and opposing key infrastructure projects, including the bullet train, Metro, coastal road, and Samruddhi Mahamarg. This exchange underscores the ongoing political tensions and disagreements between the BJP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra.
