NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over PM Modi’s pitch in poll rallies about the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at a rally in Sangola, Solapur district, Thackeray questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claims about the positive impact of the decision, particularly asking how many Kashmiri Pandits had been able to return to their homeland in the Kashmir Valley since the article’s revocation in August 2019.
Thackeray mocked the BJP’s narrative that the scrapping of Article 370 had brought peace to the region and provided reservations for Dalits, tribals, and OBCs. He accused PM Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah of failing to address the real issues facing the people of Maharashtra, such as the unresolved concerns of farmers. “Instead of focusing on these issues, the BJP is fixated on Article 370,” Thackeray said.
He targeted Shah, accusing the home minister of “memory loss” for claiming he had supported those opposing the abrogation of Article 370.
“He forgets that I was with them in support of the decision. Instead of spying on me, tell people of Maharashtra and the country how many Kashmiri Pandits have returned to their homes in Kashmir Valley. When they (Kashmiri Pandits) fled their homes, no one knew Modi and Shah, and it was Balasaheb Thackeray who gave them shelter in Maharashtra,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said.
He highlighted the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, saying that it was late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, not Modi or Shah, who had provided shelter to the displaced community in Maharashtra when they fled the Valley.
Thackeray also took jabs at the saffron party’s focus on national issues like the Ram Temple and the Article 370 abrogation while ignoring local concerns such as employment for the people of Maharashtra. “They speak of Article 370 and the Ram Temple, but the people of Maharashtra are concerned about jobs and their future,” he said. He further clarified that he had never aspired to be chief minister again, saying, “I dream of my Maharashtra, not of holding office.”
The former chief minister also condemned PM Modi and Shah for their inattention to the ongoing violence in Manipur. Referring to the tragic killing of a 31-year-old mother in the state, Thackeray said, “While Modi and Shah are busy with rallies, a woman is being burnt alive in Manipur. Instead of targeting me, they should act like responsible leaders and address the violence in Manipur and Kashmir.”
As Maharashtra approaches its assembly polls on November 20, Thackeray challenged PM Modi and Shah to step down if campaigning took priority over governance, urging them to address the nation’s issues instead of just rallying for the BJP. Results will be declared on November 23.