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Pune: The political atmosphere in Maharashtra is heating up as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of indulging in “power jihad” by dismantling political parties to stay in power. This fiery accusation was made during Thackeray’s address to party workers in Pune on Saturday.
Thackeray’s Sharp Retort
In a sharp rebuttal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently dubbed Thackeray the head of the “Aurangzeb Fan Club,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader did not hold back. He further accused Shah of being the ‘political descendant’ of Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler who defeated the Marathas in the historic Battle of Panipat.
“If Muslims are with us after we explain to them our Hindutva, then according to the BJP, we are the Aurangzeb Fan Club. What you are doing is power jihad,” Thackeray retorted, as reported by PTI.
Accusations and Counteraccusations
Amit Shah’s remarks came on July 21 during a BJP conclave in Pune, where he labeled the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, of which Thackeray is a key player, as an “Aurangzeb fan club.” Shah alleged that this alliance, led by Thackeray, could not ensure India’s security. He further accused Thackeray of sharing meals with individuals involved with Kasab and supporting the Popular Front of India (PFI), while opposing the renaming of Aurangabad to Sambhaji Nagar.
“Maha Vikas Aghadi is an Aurangzeb fan club. This Aurangzeb fan club cannot ensure India’s security. Uddhav Thackeray is the leader of this Aurangzeb Fan Club. This Fan Club cannot make Maharashtra and India safe. Only the BJP can ensure the safety and security of all,” Shah stated, according to ANI.
Political History and Future
This is not the first time Amit Shah has publicly criticized Uddhav Thackeray. During the Lok Sabha elections, Shah accused Thackeray of abandoning his ideology for the sake of power. Thackeray, who had to step down as chief minister in June 2022 following a rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, has faced significant political challenges. The rebellion led to the collapse of his government, and in February 2023, the Election Commission of India recognized the Shinde faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena.
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Maharashtra’s Political Climate
As Maharashtra gears up for the 288-seat Assembly elections later this year, the political rhetoric is intensifying. Thackeray also criticized the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government over the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme, accusing it of bribing voters with “revdis” (freebies).
The political battle in Maharashtra is not just a clash of ideologies but a struggle for power and control. Thackeray’s accusations of “power jihad” and Shah’s “Aurangzeb Fan Club” remarks are reflective of the deep-seated political rivalries that are likely to shape the election campaigns in the coming months.
BJP’s Strategy and Opposition’s Response
Understanding the political dynamics, the BJP is preparing to counter the INDI alliance’s strategies aimed at consolidating the Muslim vote bank and exploiting caste fault lines to split the Hindu majority vote. This is particularly relevant with the upcoming Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections.
The aggressive stance of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath against the INDI alliance in the State Assembly this week serves as a precursor to the BJP’s broader strategy. Despite facing anti-incumbency in both Maharashtra and Haryana, the BJP is ready to confront the Opposition head-on, with reports indicating that Muslim clerics may support Uddhav Thackeray as a potential CM candidate to divide the Hindu vote.
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Looking Ahead
Despite persistent attacks from the Opposition aimed at diminishing PM Modi‘s standing, the Prime Minister remains firmly in control of both the government and party affairs. The confidence within the party, which may have waned after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has been reignited with Modi’s assertive leadership.
This renewed vigor was evident in the UP Assembly this week, where Yogi Adityanath’s bold address was backed by Modi, sending a clear message to political rivals both within and outside the party. Modi’s unwavering support for state leaders is indicative of his strategic approach to maintaining dominance.
As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to evolve, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future leadership and governance of the state. The accusations, counteraccusations, and political maneuvering will undoubtedly keep the electorate engaged as they head towards the polls.Uddhav Thackera
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