Uddhav Thackeray has expressed his readiness to resign as the president of Shiv Sena if party members lose faith in his leadership amid growing speculations of internal divisions within Shiv Sena (UBT). Speaking at the 60th foundation day event in Mumbai, Thackeray stated his openness to a new leader emerging from within the party’s ranks. However, he emphasized that he would not permit the organization to fall under the control of those he branded as traitors.
These assertions come against a backdrop of reports suggesting that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs might shift their allegiance to the faction led by Eknath Shinde. Thackeray conveyed his apologies to the voters who had supported candidates under his leadership, expressing his discontent over these rumored defections. He also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of attempts to destabilize and break apart his party.
Thackeray further asserted that India’s political environment is veering towards a single-party dominance, a stance that aligns with his critique of the BJP. His comments reflect the broader political tensions and alignments as parties vie for influence and stability in a shifting landscape.
Addressing the party’s historical relations with the Congress, Thackeray remarked that despite a long-standing political rivalry, the Congress has never tried to annihilate Shiv Sena. Nevertheless, he dismissed any possibility of merging with the Congress, reaffirming that the Shiv Sena was established to advocate for the Marathi people’s interests.