Uddhav Thackeray Claims BJP Is Sidelining Devendra Fadnavis

Speaking at a party gathering in Shirdi, Thackeray made some allegations. He said after Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Fadnavis has become the BJP leader with strong RSS roots to be sidelined by the party's leadership in Delhi.

Fadnavis Is Being Cut Down to Size

During his address, Thackeray claimed that the BJP leadership does not want Fadnavis to emerge as a national leader. They are trying to reduce his influence. This is so that he does not become a successor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the years ahead.

Thackeray said both Nitin Gadkari and Devendra Fadnavis have enjoyed the support of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He suggested that this backing has not worked in their favour within sections of the BJP leadership.

Questions for the RSS

The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also questioned the role of the RSS in the political developments. He asked if the RSS was willing to speak out if leaders believed to be close to the organisation were allegedly being sidelined.

Thackeray questioned whether the RSS accepted the treatment being given to its leaders. He asked why the organisation had remained silent over the issue.

Political Tensions Continue in Maharashtra

Political tensions continue in Maharashtra. In recent weeks, Thackeray has repeatedly accused the BJP of trying to weaken his party by encouraging defections from the Shiv Sena (UBT).

He has also spoken about an "Operation Tiger." He claims efforts are underway to persuade leaders from his faction to join rival political camps. Several former MPs and party leaders have recently shifted to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Background of the 2022 Shiv Sena Split

The political rivalry dates back to June 2022. That's when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. He took a majority of Shiv Sena MLAs with him. The revolt resulted in the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

Following the split, Shinde formed a government with the BJP. He became the Chief Minister. Devendra Fadnavis took charge as Deputy Chief Minister. Later, the Election Commission recognised the Shinde faction as the Shiv Sena. They allotted it the party's bow-and-arrow symbol. Uddhav Thackeray's faction was renamed Shiv Sena (UBT).

'Wing Clipping' Remark Returns

This is not the first time Thackeray has suggested that the BJP is reducing Fadnavis' influence. Earlier this month, he claimed that attempts were being made to "clip the wings" of the Maharashtra Chief Minister.

Fadnavis dismissed those allegations. He said he had "no wings for anyone to cut." His focus remained on governance and public service.

With political tensions rising ahead of future elections, Thackeray's latest remarks have once again sparked debate. The debate is over the relationship between the BJP leadership, the RSS, and Maharashtra's top political leaders.