At a campaign rally in Kankavali, Maharashtra, MNS president Raj Thackeray launched a scathing attack on his cousin, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, suggesting that Uddhav would have remained silent if the BJP had agreed to his demand for the Maharashtra chief minister's post. Raj Thackeray also defended his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing reasons such as the construction of the Ram Temple and the abrogation of Article 370.
Despite supporting Modi in 2014, Raj Thackeray had criticized him before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, he clarified that his support for Modi now was not contingent on any personal gain.
Raj Thackeray questioned Uddhav Thackeray's opposition to big-ticket projects like the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant and an oil refinery in Konkan, accusing him of neglecting investment opportunities during his tenure in power.
The MNS chief also highlighted instances where Shiv Sena MPs opposed projects while local MLAs from the same party supported them, suggesting internal contradictions within the party's stance.
Uddhav Thackeray's decision to break the alliance with the BJP after the 2019 state polls, due to the BJP's refusal to share the CM's post, was also criticized by Raj Thackeray.
In conclusion, Raj Thackeray's remarks underscored the ongoing political rivalry between the Thackeray cousins and highlighted the complex dynamics within Maharashtra's political landscape.