Uddhav Thackeray attacks BJP and defector MP Sanjay Deshmukh at Yavatmal-Washim rally
On Friday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp attack against the BJP and defector MP Sanjay Deshmukh during a public rally in Yavatmal-Washim, Maharashtra. Thackeray accused the BJP of stealing lawmakers and looting donations meant for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, while announcing that his party would launch a movement for a "BJP-mukt Ram."
Thackeray's address marked the beginning of his three-day tour of constituencies belonging to his former MPs who recently defected to the ruling Shiv Sena. He was accompanied on the tour by MPs Sanjay Raut and Arvind Sawant, MLA Aaditya Thackeray, and other party leaders.
During his speech, Thackeray accused the BJP of politically capturing Lord Ram, stating that Ram was "in the prison of the BJP." He called for a "BJP-mukt Ram" and declared that his party would soon launch a movement to address this.
Turning his attention to the local political situation, Thackeray accused MP Sanjay Deshmukh of betraying the voters' mandate. Deshmukh had won the election against the BJP-led alliance before switching sides. Thackeray termed such defectors "traitors" and argued that changing parties after being elected had become a business. He ordered his party workers to confront Deshmukh for betraying the party and the workers who secured his victory.
Thackeray also apologized to the public for selecting "the wrong man" for the Lok Sabha election. He indirectly announced the candidature of Siddharth Deole for the next Lok Sabha election, noting that Deole had secured over 100,000 votes in the 2024 assembly elections from Washim.
Addressing the Ram temple donation misappropriation case, Thackeray compared the BJP leaders to the descendants of Babur, who demolished the temple centuries ago. He alleged that those looting the new temple were betraying Hindu sentiments and Hindutva.
Thackeray concluded his speech by asserting his determination to fight, stating that as long as Shiv Sainiks stand with him, nobody can finish him or his party.
