Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, a key figure in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra, declared on Friday his party’s unconditional support for any Chief Ministerial candidate selected by the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Uddhav Thackeray made this statement during a significant MVA meeting, underscoring the importance of unity within the alliance as they prepare for what he termed as a battle for the “self-respect of the state.”
Amid growing speculation about the MVA’s choice for Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray urged his alliance partners to finalize and announce their candidate as a priority. He emphasized that only after this critical decision is made should the alliance commence its election campaign. “There have been speculations about the CM face of MVA. I appeal to all leaders of the alliance, whether it’s Prithviraj Chavan or Sharad Pawar, to announce their choice for CM, and I will support them unconditionally,” Thackeray stated.
Reflecting on past practices within alliances, Uddhav Thackeray reminded the MVA leaders that traditionally, the party securing the most seats would claim the Chief Minister’s post. He called for adherence to this formula, stressing the need for a unified front to ensure a successful campaign.
Addressing the recent loss of the Shiv Sena’s iconic ‘Bow and Arrow’ symbol to the rival faction led by Eknath Shinde, Uddhav Thackeray expressed his determination to rally behind the new ‘Lighting Torch’ symbol. He dismissed the loss as insignificant, stating, “Even if they have stolen my ‘Bow and Arrow’ symbol, I have taken the ‘Lighting Torch’ as a symbol to set their backs on fire.”
Uddhav Thackeray also took a jab at the ruling faction, accusing them of splitting not only his party but also attempting to divide the NCP. He praised the Congress for retaining its ‘Panjaa’ (hand) symbol, suggesting that the Congress’s hand would now hold the Shiv Sena’s ‘Mashaal’ (torch), symbolizing unity. He urged the alliance to take these symbols to every corner of Maharashtra, avoiding internal conflicts and presenting a united front against their political adversaries.
