Sanjay Nirupam Criticizes Thackeray Cousins for Deviating from Bal Thackeray's Legacy

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticized Uddhav and Raj Thackeray for abandoning the values of Sena founder Bal Thackeray. Nirupam accused them of betraying the founder's legacy by forming ideologically mismatched alliances and moving away from Marathi pride. Eknath Shinde was praised as the true successor of Bal Thackeray's legacy.

In a scathing critique, Sanjay Nirupam, a prominent Shiv Sena leader, has voiced strong disapproval of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, accusing them of straying from the principles of Sena's founder, Bal Thackeray. Speaking at a press conference, Nirupam charged Uddhav with betraying Bal Thackeray's legacy by forming an alliance with the Congress.

Taking a direct aim at Raj Thackeray, Nirupam accused him of adopting an anti-Hindi and anti-Hindutva stance, effectively contradicting Bal Thackeray's political ideologies. He emphasized that today's Thackerays seem to prioritize power and political survival over foundational values, thus diluting the legacy of Prabodhankar Thackeray and Balasaheb.

Nirupam praised Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the authentic torchbearer of Marathi pride and Bal Thackeray's ideals, citing his efforts for Marathi language and culture. He criticized the Shiv Sena (UBT) for missteps during its BMC tenure, including school closures and non-Marathi contractor awards, deemed a betrayal to Marathi people.

(With inputs from agencies.)