Mumbai : In a candid and hard-hitting interview with Saamna, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray asserted that the “Thackeray brand” remains unshakable despite attempts to undermine it. Targeting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Election Commission, and the central government, Thackeray emphasized the enduring support of Maharashtra’s people and the resilience of his party’s identity. He accused the Election Commission of being a mere “stone” manipulated by the ruling powers and criticized divisive political tactics aimed at destabilizing the state. Here is in full, what he said:
Thackeray Brand and Shiv Sena’s Resilience
Uddhav Thackeray fiercely defended the legacy of the “Thackeray brand,” describing it as more than just a name but a symbol of Marathi pride, Hindu identity, and Maharashtra’s cultural ethos. He stated, “The Thackeray brand has stood tall in Indian politics for over 50 years. It’s not just a brand—it’s the identity of Maharashtra, the Marathi people, and Hindu pride. Many have tried to erase it, but those who tried have themselves vanished, as the people have rejected them.” Thackeray dismissed attempts by the BJP to dismantle Shiv Sena, asserting that public support remains unwavering. He argued that the Election Commission’s decision to allocate the Shiv Sena name and bow-and-arrow symbol to another faction lacks legitimacy, saying, “Just putting vermilion on a stone doesn’t give it the right to hand over our name and symbol. They can’t erase our identity.”
Thackeray also addressed defections from Shiv Sena (UBT), likening them to clearing stagnant water to make way for fresh streams. “When someone leaves voluntarily, it’s a relief. Those who left haven’t exactly illuminated their new camps. Let them go—it’s better for us,” he remarked, emphasizing that the party’s core strength lies in its loyal base and ideological clarity.
Critique of BJP’s Policies and Election Commission
Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing them of fostering unrest and division to maintain power. “The BJP’s policy is to keep people restless, unstable, and anxious. But you can’t fool the public forever,” he said. He referenced remarks by the RSS chief, hinting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advancing age (75) as a signal of shifting dynamics within the ruling coalition. Thackeray criticized the Election Commission, calling it a “stone” that lacks the authority to reassign Shiv Sena’s identity. “If I rename the Election Commissioner as ‘stone,’ will that work? They have no right to change our party’s name or symbol unless we’ve violated constitutional norms,” he argued, highlighting that vote percentages and symbols are secondary to the party’s deep-rooted identity.
On the topic of caste-based politics in Maharashtra, Thackeray accused the ruling coalition of sowing discord to consolidate power. “They set homes on fire to bake their bread—pitting Hindu against Muslim, Marathi against non-Marathi, Maratha against non-Maratha. Balasaheb taught us to erase these divisions and unite people, but they’re breaking that unity for their gain,” he said, invoking the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Jan Suraksha Bill and One Nation-One Election
Thackeray questioned the efficacy of the Jan Suraksha Bill, asking whether it would curb atrocities against women, theft, murder, or highway robberies. He challenged the bill’s mention of “hardcore leftist” ideology, seeking clarity on its implications. “Leftist ideology emphasizes social justice, individual freedom, and equality, while rightist ideology prioritizes religion and capitalism. Both have strengths and flaws. Instead of targeting ideologies, we should oppose terrorism, anti-national forces, and Naxalism, which we’ve always fought against,” he stated, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes national security over ideological battles.
On the concept of ‘One Nation-One Election,’ Thackeray expressed concerns about authoritarian tendencies. “It started with ‘One Nation, One Law, One Leader,’ which sounded appealing. But now it’s ‘One Nation, One Election,’ then ‘One Nation, One Language,’ and soon ‘One Party.’ BJP chief J.P. Nadda has openly said there should be only one party. This is a path to dictatorship where eventually we’ll have ‘One Party, One Election,’” he warned, cautioning against the erosion of democratic diversity.
The Thackeray Family: Balasaheb and His Sons – Legacy, Conflict, and Reunion
Bal Keshav Thackeray (1927–2012), known as Balasaheb, was the charismatic founder of Shiv Sena, established in 1966 to champion Marathi rights in Mumbai. A former cartoonist, his Marmik magazine ignited regional pride, evolving into a political force advocating Hindutva and “sons of the soil.” Balasaheb’s leadership saw Shiv Sena govern Maharashtra (1995–1999) in alliance with the BJP. His fiery rhetoric and cultural influence made him a revered yet controversial figure until his death in 2012.
Uddhav Thackeray (born 1960), Balasaheb’s youngest son, assumed Shiv Sena’s leadership in 2004. Initially a photographer, Uddhav transformed into a steady political figure, balancing Hindutva with governance-focused policies. As Maharashtra’s Chief Minister (2019–2022), he led the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, diverging from the BJP alliance. His leadership faced challenges, notably the 2022 Shiv Sena split led by Eknath Shinde, but Uddhav’s faction, Shiv Sena (UBT), remains a potent force, rooted in the Thackeray brand’s enduring appeal.
Raj Thackeray (born 1968), Balasaheb’s nephew, was a dynamic Shiv Sena leader until 2006, when he founded the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) after disputes over leadership succession. MNS’s aggressive Marathi-first agenda, including anti-migrant rhetoric, gained attention but limited electoral success. Raj’s departure created a deep family and political rift, fragmenting Shiv Sena’s base.
The Uddhav-Raj split was fueled by competing ambitions and ideological differences, with Balasaheb’s preference for Uddhav deepening the divide. The feud persisted post-Balasaheb’s death, but by 2019, gestures like Raj attending Uddhav’s CM oath-taking hinted at reconciliation. The 2022 Shiv Sena split and BJP’s growing influence prompted a pragmatic reunion, with both leaders aligning to protect the Thackeray legacy, though MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) remain separate entities.
In June 2025, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray agreed to join forces against what they described as the “imposition” of Hindi in Maharashtra’s school curriculum, said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. After days of parallel announcements, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will led a joint march in Mumbai to oppose the state government’s three-language formula, which includes Hindi as a mandatory third language for primary school students.
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