Maharashtra Politics: Uddhav Thackeray Urges Supporters To Counter BJP’s 'Jai Shri Ram' With 'Jai Shivaji, Jai Bhavani'

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday accused the BJP of 'poisoning society' and urged his supporters to counter the ruling party's 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan with 'Jai Shivaji' and 'Jai Bhavani'. Speaking at the Nirdhar Shibir in Mulund’s Kalidas Auditorium, Thackeray criticised the BJP and RSS for promoting a 'fake Hindutva narrative,' highlighting their lack of involvement in India’s freedom struggle. He also condemned BJP leaders for their double standards.

“If anyone says Jai Shri Ram, do not let the person leave without making sure that he says Jai Shivaji and Jai Bhavani. The BJP has poisoned our society. I am going to give the BJP a tough time for what they have done to our society,” he said.

He pointed out that BJP leaders, including Anurag Thakur and Jay Shah, were seen with Pakistani cricketers in Dubai, contradicting their previous stance that there should be no cricketing ties with Pakistan until it changes its behavior. “Leaders who had no role in the freedom struggle now hold power in the country. Those who never fought for independence can never understand its true value," he remarked.

Taking a dig at the RSS, Thackeray said, “RSS members practice lathi drills on rooftops and then try to teach us about Hindutva. We don't need their lessons.”

Using the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy final as an analogy, he stated, “We should not just focus on the scoreboard but ensure our opponents are completely eliminated. We will not spare them.”

Responding to allegations from the Mahayuti that he did not attend the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Thackeray sarcastically said, “We follow Mohan Bhagwat. If he didn’t go to Kumbh Mela, why should I? He himself does not attend but tells others to go.”