Uddhav Thackeray Slams BJP: ‘They Have Destroyed the Country, Cannot Run Government at Centre or in State’

Pune, 4th October 2025: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of destroying India’s cultural fabric and leading the nation towards dictatorship.

Speaking during a talk show organised by the Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ) on Saturday, Thackeray said that the BJP is incapable of governing both at the Centre and in Maharashtra.

PUWJ President Brijmohan Patil and general secretary Mangesh Phalle were also present on the occasion.

“Our country is beautiful and rich in culture, but they have destroyed it completely. The walls that have been erected in the country today are not India. They are turning the nation into hell, and I am trying to prevent that,” Thackeray said, adding that the BJP-led central government has failed to resolve crises in Manipur and Kashmir.

He further said that “whatever is happening today is not right and is taking the country towards dictatorship.”
‘Thackeray brand was born in Pune’
Thackeray also reflected on his family’s legacy, saying, “The Thackeray brand is not new; it has been there for years, and it was born in Pune.”

Taking a dig at the city’s changing landscape, he added, “Pune was once a city of knowledge; now it has become a city of builders.”

Referring to his Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park, Thackeray said, “The gathering at Shiva Tirtha was unprecedented. Despite the rain, people came voluntarily — there was no need to lock anyone up.”

Responding to questions about his party’s stance on Hindutva, Thackeray clarified, “When we were with the BJP, we were for Hindutva, and when we left the BJP, we are being accused of leaving Hindutva itself. Today, if BJP does something, it’s called ‘immortal love,’ but if someone else does, it becomes ‘love jihad.’”

On alliance with Raj Thackeray
When asked about the recent political understanding with his cousin Raj Thackeray, chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Uddhav said, “We separated in 2005 but came together on one issue. Our joint rally on July 5 was proof of that. Our opponents are shocked to see the Marathi people uniting and are trying to create unnecessary speculation.”

‘I don’t reply to traitors’
Responding to a question about former leader Ramdas Kadam’s remarks, Thackeray said sharply, “I do not answer traitors and namakharams. All of Maharashtra knows what the Thackeray name stands for. The people who stood drenched in rain at Shivaji Park and asked me to speak — their love is my strength.”

On party symbol dispute
Thackeray expressed deep anger over losing his party symbol and name to the Eknath Shinde faction. “Those who stole my party, my symbol, and my father’s legacy — what kind of ‘merit’ is that? This is a grave injustice. The Election Commission has no right to take away a party’s name and hand it over to others. My grandfather and father named this party long before the Election Commission even existed,” he said.

On upcoming civic elections
Speaking about upcoming municipal polls, Thackeray said the decision to contest as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will be taken jointly by the three alliance partners — Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Congress. “We fought the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections as MVA, and ideally, the civic polls should also be fought together. However, these are local elections, and the decision will depend on local units,” he explained.

On PM Modi’s birthday and speculation
Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday and the speculation surrounding his possible resignation, Thackeray remarked, “Let the people give their opinion on that — just like a public poll in ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’.”

On farmer distress and flood situation
Thackeray also criticised the government for neglecting farmers suffering due to floods and crop loss in Marathwada. “Prime Minister Modi distributed Rs 10,000 to women in Bihar for elections, but when farmers are in crisis, there is no help. Panchnamas are not being conducted, and insurance claims are being denied. Is it more important to focus on Shaktipeeths or on saving farmers’ lives?” he asked.

“Farmers are facing a double crisis today. They deserve immediate aid,” Thackeray said, appealing for urgent government intervention.