In the aftermath of the BJP’s victory in three out of four states, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray speculated that the BJP-led centre might capitalize on the prevailing ‘atmosphere’ and conduct simultaneous Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections. Urging his party workers to prepare for this possibility, Thackeray congratulated the victorious parties and reiterated his commitment to opposing the BJP’s perceived dictatorial regime.
Thackeray criticized the Shinde-led Sena faction, accusing them of being traitors who were “washing others’ dishes.” Reflecting on the 2018 elections, where the Congress won in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh but faced a reversal in the subsequent Lok Sabha polls, Thackeray noted that there was no need for complete disappointment.
While the Lok Sabha polls are scheduled for April next year, the Maharashtra assembly polls are slated for October. Thackeray spoke at the felicitation ceremony for newly appointed functionaries at Vile Parle’s Dinanath Mangeshkar auditorium late on Sunday. He declared, “We will fight and save the country,” emphasizing the need to protect democracy, which he deemed in danger.
Thackeray recalled the combined Lok Sabha and state assembly polls in 1999 after the Kargil war, suggesting that the current political climate might prompt the BJP government at the centre to decide on simultaneous elections. Asserting that the Shiv Sena was established to safeguard the self-respect of Marathi manoos, Thackeray vowed to resist attempts to diminish Marathi pride.
Addressing Maharashtra, Thackeray pledged, “Now come to Maharashtra; we will show you the ground.” He criticized traitors, singling out CM Eknath Shinde and his supporters, stating that they don’t comprehend the consequences of supporting the BJP.
Reflecting on the 2018 scenario where the BJP lost in Rajasthan, MP, and Chhattisgarh assembly elections but won the Lok Sabha polls five months later, Thackeray suggested that the current loss for the BJP might be a positive sign. He asserted that people are not foolish and anticipated potential Congress victories in these states in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.