Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), has publicly declared his readiness to step down from leadership if party workers no longer trust him. This announcement comes amid intense speculation that at least six of the party's Lok Sabha Members of Parliament (MPs) are preparing to defect and align with the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which is part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Thackeray addressed party supporters on Friday, during celebrations marking Shiv Sena's 60th foundation day in Mumbai. "I am not someone who will run away in the face of challenges, but if you don't have trust in me, I am willing to step down," he affirmed. He further expressed that he would be pleased if someone from within the party ranks ascended to the presidency, but firmly stated he would not allow the party to fall into the hands of "thieves," a clear jab at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he accused of attempting to dismantle Shiv Sena (UBT).
The former Maharashtra Chief Minister also voiced concerns that India was heading towards a political landscape dominated by "one party, no election." He asserted that Shiv Sainiks remained "fired up" rather than disheartened by the ongoing political challenges.
Thackeray extended an apology to voters who cast their ballots in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections for MPs now reportedly contemplating defection. He highlighted that his party secured nine seats in those elections based on his appeal and the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, without invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name.
The six MPs rumored to be defecting, and notably absent from Friday's event, include Sanjay Dina Patil, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Om Raje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Deshmukh, and Sanjay Jadhav. Present at the gathering were Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, and Rajabhau Waje, alongside Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut.
During his address, Thackeray drew a sharp contrast between the Congress and the BJP. "Half of our lives were spent fighting the Congress, but they never tried to finish off Shiv Sena like the BJP is trying to do. That is the difference between the two parties," he remarked. Regarding any potential merger with the Congress, he reiterated Shiv Sena's core identity, stating, "Shiv Sena is formed for Marathi manoos. There is no question of merging it with any party."
Earlier the same day, Eknath Shinde also addressed his party workers, taking veiled swipes at his opponents. "Some people have been barking for the last few days. They bark in groups, but a tiger walks alone. This is Shiv Sena," Shinde declared. He described recent political developments as merely a "trailer," lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and affirmed the continued unity of the Mahayuti alliance.