Uddhav Thackeray Intensifies Battle Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly Polls

Former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray criticized Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, stating either he or the BJP will remain in Mumbai. Thackeray described Fadnavis and the BJP as a group of robbers. This rhetoric sets the stage ahead of the forthcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections.

In a charged address ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray took aim at Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, declaring that either he or the BJP would stay in Mumbai. Thackeray made these remarks while speaking to party workers in Pune on Saturday, flanked by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

Thackeray, in his speech, likened Fadnavis to a watermelon and accused the BJP of being a 'group of robbers.' He emphasized that he doesn't challenge insignificant opponents, instead, they are to be crushed effortlessly. The former CM's comments signal a fierce battle ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Maharashtra.

The state is set to elect a new 288-member legislative assembly later this year, with the current government's tenure ending in 2024. Although the Election Commission has yet to announce the official dates, political maneuvers are already in full swing. In the most recent Lok Sabha polls, the BJP's seat count in Maharashtra dropped to nine from 23, while Congress marginally increased its seats to 13. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Nationalist Congress Party secured nine and eight seats, respectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)