Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s son, Aaditya Thackeray, met Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, emphasizing that while governments may change, relationships endure. This meeting comes just days after AAP’s setback in the Delhi elections, as part of the INDIA bloc’s effort to strategize its next steps.
Thackeray, representing one of the key parties in the opposition alliance, criticized the current electoral process, calling it “neither free nor fair.” He stressed the urgent need for a collective strategy to counter what he described as an unfair political landscape. “It is clear in the heart of the Shiv Sena (UBT) that governments come and go, but our relationship will continue as it is. That is what we came here to convey. The work that Kejriwal and the AAP have done for Delhi over the past 10 years is well known to the people,” Thackeray stated.
Accusing the Election Commission of favoring the ruling BJP, Thackeray remarked, “The BJP had the ‘blessings of the Election Commission,’ and they should be grateful for that.” He further alleged that the electoral process in Maharashtra was riddled with inconsistencies. “We are raising the issue of how Maharashtra’s voter count suddenly increased by 47 lakh. Who cast the 76 lakh votes after the final deadline? Is there any video footage or token for this? The Election Commission is completely unwilling to discuss this,” he questioned.
The young Shiv Sena leader also revealed that he had spoken with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday before meeting Kejriwal to discuss the concerns surrounding election integrity. Thackeray reaffirmed the INDIA bloc’s commitment to continue fighting for democratic fairness and said that the opposition alliance remains united. “We will continue to fight in the interest of the nation. We will continue to raise the voice of the people. If we have to take to the streets for the country’s welfare, we will do so,” he declared.
He further stated that while both AAP and Congress would conduct independent reviews of their electoral performance in Delhi, the friendship within the INDIA bloc remains intact. Thackeray’s comments reflect the growing discontent among opposition parties regarding electoral transparency and their determination to challenge the BJP-led government. With upcoming state and national elections in focus, opposition leaders appear to be strengthening their coordination to ensure a level playing field in the political arena.
