Thackeray Pitches for Pre-Agreed CM Face in MVA, Challenges PM Modi’s Secular Code Call

Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, emphasized deciding MVA's chief ministerial candidate before elections, differing from the seat-based appointment approach. He pledged support for any candidate by Congress and NCP (SP). Thackeray also criticized PM Modi's stance on a secular civil code and questioned his commitment to Hindutva.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday asserted the need to decide Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) chief ministerial candidate prior to elections, rather than going by seat tallies. He promised backing for any candidate presented by the Congress and NCP (SP).

While addressing party workers, Thackeray likened the Lok Sabha polls to safeguarding democracy and the Constitution, and assembly polls to preserving Maharashtra's self-respect. The assembly elections are anticipated in October or November, featuring the Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), and Congress.

Thackeray also criticized Prime Minister Modi's appeal for a secular civil code, questioning his abandonment of Hindutva. He targeted Modi over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and suggested ulterior motives behind it, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into land deals in Ayodhya.