Mumbai: “I believe in the Chief Justice of India’s decision regarding NCP and Shiv Sen will be taken in 50-60 years,” said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray today in Mumbai during a meeting of the Mahavikas Aghadi’s alliance partners.
The alliance comprises Shiv Sena (UBT), the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) and the Congress.
The sarcastic remark by the former Maharashtra CM came in the backdrop of the delay in the court pronouncing the verdict in the ‘real Shiv Sena’ case.
Uddhav also responded to CJI D.Y. Chandrachud’s recent comment in which he said that in light of events in Bangladesh, Indians must not take their freedom for granted. Thackeray said, “Why do we need to look at Bangladesh to underscore the importance of democracy? The people of Bangladesh revolted against authoritarianism and the leader had to resign. Even the CJ of Bangladesh resigned. Will you be able to take that?”
Alliance
Thackeray emphasised the unity among the MVA alliance partners, saying, “Let’s all be together, Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena. The CM face should be declared. I will support it.”
He stressed the importance of collective action and warned against repeating past mistakes, particularly in reference to their alliance with the BJP. However, Sakal reported that the MVA alliance partners including the Congress has decided to make Uddhav the face of their Vidhan Sabha election campaign.
However, the Election Commission did not announce the dates for Maharashtra today – citing the weather and festivities.
On Wakf Board
Uddhav raised concerns about the Union government’s motives, questioning the introduction of the Waqf Board Bill. “Why bring this bill now and try to create unrest?” he asked. “If you had the courage, why didn’t you pass it when you had a majority?”
Uddhav pledged to safeguard the properties of religious institutions, declaring, “We will not permit such irresponsible actions.”
On support from Muslims and Buddhists, Uddhav said that various communities voted for him due to the work he did during the CAA and NRC protests. He highlighted the alliance’s efforts during the COVID-19 period, saying, “We worked to protect them during the pandemic, and they reciprocated by voting for us.”