Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray took the stage at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Gudi Padwa, greeting the audience with a warm welcome to Hindu brothers and sisters. Thackeray expressed unconditional support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting his early endorsement even before the BJP rallied behind Modi. He commended the abrogation of Article 370 and emphasized his practice of praising what he likes and his refusal to acclaim anything that doesn't align with his beliefs.
Thackeray shared that over the past year, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had reached out to him for support, as had Devendra Fadnavis, leading to his discussions with Amit Shah. He declared his refusal to be entangled in disputes over seat-sharing and party alliances, insisting on upholding the symbolic emblems of his own party and reasserting his support for Modi without desiring any legislative positions.
'I do not work under anyone,'
stated Thackeray, addressing the rumors that swirled following his meeting with Amit Shah. Dismissing speculations about leading Shinde's faction of the Shiv Sena, he affirmed his independence and clarified that his leadership commitment lies solely with the MNS.
Thackeray criticized Sanjay Raut and Uddhav Thackeray for their statements against PM Modi following the split in their party. He pointed out the political aspirations behind their actions, all while the state of Maharashtra braces for municipal elections in five years' time. After hearing about hospital staff being rerouted to election duties, he urged medical professionals to focus on patient care and pledged his support against any backlash they might face.
