• Source:JND

Shiv Sena-UTB Split: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, while addressing a gathering organised to mark the 60th foundation day of the party in Mumbai, said he was ready to quit his post if the party didn't have faith and trust in him. The former Maharashtra chief minister also addressed the rumour of a merger with Congress. This was the first reaction of the Shiv Sena (UTB) chief after a rebellion by six Lok Sabha MPs of his party.

No Merger With Congress: Thackeray

Clearing the clouds around the buzz over the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress merger, Thackeray said, despite being an ally of the BJP, he did not merge the party with the saffron party, how could he think of a merger with the grand old party. "If we didn't merge with the BJP despite being an ally for 30 years, how can we merge with the Congress. I fear the Maharashtra BJP might merge with the Shinde Sena," he asserted. Thackeray also lambasted the rebel party MPs for claiming that they feared the Shiv Sena (UBT) might merge with the Congress.

ALSO READ: Shiv Sena Foundation Day Sees Poster War Between Uddhav And Shinde Factions Amid Second Split In Party

Ready To Step Down: Emotional Thackeray

Thackeray said he had not lost his resolve despite challenges and attacks, but was ready to quit his post if the party didn't have faith and trust in him. His emotional remarks came amid an impending split in his party for the second time in four years.

"I have been leading the outfit for over a decade, and given the persistent attacks on me, I am ready to quit the top Shiv Sena (UBT) post," he said in an attempt to consolidate his party leaders.

ALSO READ: Shiv Sena Completes 60 Years: Uddhav Thackeray Faces Fresh Setback; Why Did Rebel MPs Support Eknath Shinde?

"I would be happy if someone from the party ranks becomes the next Shiv Sena president, but I will not let it pass on in the hands of thieves," an emotional Thackeray told his supporters.

The former CM said he hasn't wavered and remains steadfast to face all challenges. "But I don't want even a single Shiv Sainik pointing fingers at me, that's why I resigned as chief minister (in 2022) and didn't continue as MLC (in 2026)," he said.

Shinde Takes Jibe At Thackeray 

On the other hand, the Eknath Shinde faction also celebrated its 60th foundation day at the NESCO grounds in Goregaon, Mumbai. Shinde took a jibe at Thackeray, reciting a dialogue of actor Asrani from the film Sholay. He said, whoever wants to leave should leave, that means half go here, half go there and now, when he looks back, he sees no one left." He should introspect on why people are leaving him, the Maharashtra Deputy CM said.

Shinde said, "The circumstances have changed. Politics can no longer be done by saying 'I, I,' but now the era of 'we, we,' has come. Even Ravana, who used to say 'I, I,' had his Lanka destroyed."

The departure of MPs and MLAs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) is being dubbed 'Operation Tiger'. Shinde alluded to this, saying, "My son, Shrikant, is a doctor. But we perform operations even without doctors, because they require the heart of a tiger."

(With PTI inputs)


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