Uddhav counters BJP's 'Jai Shri Ram' with 'Jai Shivaji, Jai Bhavani'

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of poisoning society and urged his supporters to counter the BJP's "Jai Shri Ram" slogan with "Jai Shivaji" and "Jai Bhavani" on Sunday.

Thackeray, addressing Sena (UBT) workers in Mulund, also drew a comparison between the BJP-led regime and Nazi Germany dictator Adolf Hitler.

“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.

Thackeray criticised the BJP's inconsistent stance on international sports events, citing their earlier opposition to playing Pakistan but now engaging in cricket matches with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

He also fired back at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's recent jab in the legislative assembly. Fadnavis had said, "I am not Uddhav Thackeray to stay ongoing projects." Thackeray, who served as CM for over two years, countered that if Fadnavis wants to follow in his footsteps, he should announce loan waivers for farmers and allocate revised funds for initiatives like Shiv Bhojan and Ladki Bahin schemes in the budget, set to be presented on March 10.

Uddhav Thackeray claimed he would've relocated the Metro-3 car shed to Kanjur Marg if he'd remained CM. Instead, he alleged the land is now being given to the Adani group. The site was a point of contention between Thackeray's party and the BJP.

After the Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government collapsed in 2022 due to Eknath Shinde's rebellion and ensured the BJP's return to power, the new government decided to set up the Metro car shed at Aarey in the western suburbs. Thackeray wanted it to be moved to Kanjur Marg on the eastern side.

Thackeray reminded Fadnavis that he initiated the coastal road project. He also questioned the BJP's objection to Muslims supporting Sena (UBT), citing their own COVID-19 pandemic efforts.

He cited the example of balladeer Amar Shaikh, who was born into a Muslim family and fought for the unification of Maharashtra.

Thackeray drew parallels between Hitler's tactics and the current government, citing four levels of operation: presenting one's side, making allegations, responding to accusations, and spreading rumours.

Despite Election Commission challenges, Thackeray vowed to fight the current regime. He also referenced MVA allies Congress and NCP's views that the MVA underperformed in the assembly elections after a strong Lok Sabha poll showing.

The MVA alliance, which won 30 seats in the 2024 General Elections, was defeated in the assembly polls by the Mahayuti coalition. Ahead of civic body elections, Uddhav Thackeray stressed unity, urging party members to vote for the nominated candidate.

The BMC elections will be a key test for Thackeray's party.

(inputs from PTI)