Politics – Uddhav Thackeray questions PM Modi’s assurance to Eknath Shinde faction
Politics –Uddhav Thackeray has questioned the timing and intent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported assurance to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his faction of Shiv Sena MPs during their meeting in New Delhi.
Thackeray questions the message behind Modi’s assurance
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray raised objections to the reported remarks made by Prime Minister Modi, who is said to have assured the Shinde faction not to be afraid and that he was standing behind them.
Thackeray questioned who the reassurance was actually directed at, particularly as the dispute over the Shiv Sena’s name and election symbol remains before the Supreme Court.
He also pointed to the changing political dynamics surrounding Shinde. According to Thackeray, Shinde had earlier met Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visits, while recent meetings have increasingly taken place directly with the Prime Minister.
Supreme Court proceedings become part of political debate
Thackeray said the timing of the meeting was significant because the legal dispute involving the two Shiv Sena factions is still being considered by the country’s top court.
He questioned whether the Prime Minister’s statement was meant as a message to the Supreme Court, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the administration or other political leaders. Thackeray said the Prime Minister should clarify the intended meaning of the assurance.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also suggested that the remarks could be interpreted as a message to politicians considering switching parties. He questioned whether such assurances could encourage defections by creating a perception that those changing political sides would not have to worry about possible consequences.
Thackeray calls the dispute a larger democratic issue
Thackeray argued that the conflict between the two Shiv Sena factions should no longer be viewed simply as an internal party dispute. He described it as part of a broader political and constitutional debate concerning democratic institutions and political defections.
He appealed to citizens who support constitutional values to oppose what he described as a growing culture of political betrayal. Thackeray also said the latest developments would be brought before the Supreme Court.
His comments come as the court continues to hear important issues arising from the split in the Shiv Sena and the subsequent political developments in Maharashtra.
Sanjay Raut targets Modi over meeting with MPs
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also criticised Prime Minister Modi over the meeting with MPs belonging to the Shinde faction.
In a social media post, Raut referred to disruptions in Parliament and accused the Prime Minister of finding time to host faction leaders while not attending parliamentary proceedings. He also used references to traditional Gujarati snacks while criticising the meeting and called it an insult to the public and the Constitution.
The remarks added another layer to the ongoing confrontation between the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership and the BJP-led political establishment in Maharashtra.
Kapil Sibal challenges Election Commission decision
The political dispute is unfolding alongside hearings before a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Thackeray faction, has challenged the Election Commission of India’s decision that recognised the Shinde faction as the official Shiv Sena and awarded it the party’s name and election symbol.
Sibal has argued that legislative numbers alone should not determine control over a political party. According to his submission, giving decisive importance to the strength of elected legislators overlooks the organisational structure and membership base of political parties.
The Supreme Court proceedings remain closely watched as the legal and political contest between the two factions continues.