Fighting for justice and rights is being termed sedition in this country, says Uddhav

Fighting for justice and rights is being termed as sedition in this country, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) president Uddhav Thackeray said on Thursday while speaking at the annual Dasara rally at Shivaji Park, criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk, the handling of Manipur violence, and communal tensions.

Mr. Thackeray called the BJP an “amoeba” with no shape, ideology, or policy, and claimed the party would give Mumbai to industrialist Gautam Adani. He also said Hindus were not safe under the BJP government and questioned the Centre for doling out funds to Bihar even as Maharashtra reeled under floods. He asked women beneficiaries of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in Maharashtra if they wanted to be salaried voters or self-respecting voters.

Accusing the BJP of corruption in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), he said his party would bring out a white paper on BMC finances if it came to power.

He also questioned the BJP for celebrating the ‘Bachatotsav’ following the GST reduction. “Who had levied this GST in the first place? Did Nehru levy it?” he asked.

On Manipur, he said, “Manipur is burning for three years. Modi has gone only now. We thought Modi would bring peace and relief to the people there. But his speech was appalling. He didn’t see the tears in the eyes of the people of Manipur.” While calling for the dismantling of the National Security Act, he criticised the BJP for the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk and for neglecting demands of the people of Leh and Ladakh.

“People of Leh and Ladakh were fighting for justice and for their rights. But the government wasn’t willing to take cognisance of it. That’s when the Gen Z came on streets. And what did Modi do? He put them inside under the National Security Act. We want to dismantle it. The man who gave the technology of solar tents to our soldiers is now being called a traitor for visiting Pakistan as part of a delegation a few years ago. Then what should Modi, who ate Nawaz Sharif’s cake secretly, be called? Seeking justice and rights is being termed sedition in this country,” he said.

He also questioned Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. “Will you say you are satisfied with what is happening now? Is this what RSS has worked for, for a century? They are not Brahmadev, but Brahmarakshas now. Are you even a Hindu?” he asked the BJP.

On the cricket match with Pakistan, he said Hindus were not safe under the BJP government. “You are teaching us patriotism. The man who compares a cricket match with war is shameless. Why did you do the facade of Operation Sindoor? You told us that they shot at victims in Pahalgam after asking their religion. Hindus are not safe under your government. This is your dynasty. Father calls for a war and son plays cricket with that country. I am proud of the Thackeray dynasty and what we stand for,” he said.

He addressed women beneficiaries of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, saying, “I was told by people that the BJP is creating salaried voters through Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. Now you all women have to decide whether you will become a self-respecting voter or a salaried voter.”

On Bihar, he criticised the Prime Minister for declaring ₹10,000 crore in the election year. “When there is an election, there is no need for a proposal. You have money to give during elections. Last time, ₹1.25 lakh crore was announced to Bihar by the PM. But you [the people of Maharashtra] are rich. The government is doing injustice to Maharashtra. BJP is not related to the people on the ground,” he said.

Targeting Eknath Shinde, he said, “Many parties are trying to break the Shiv Sena. Those who went away are ‘brass’. The ones who are still with me are ‘gold’. I have seen for the first time that Balasaheb’s saffron shawl has been taken by a donkey.”