Dip in Ganga won’t erase betrayal of Maharashtra: Uddhav targets Shinde
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp attack on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the Marathi Language Day event at Birla Matoshree Auditorium on Thursday. Referring to Shinde’s recent religious activities, Thackeray remarked, “Taking a dip in Ganga will not wash away sins. The stain of betraying Maharashtra will remain.”
Addressing allegations that he had abandoned Hindutva, Thackeray began his speech with the phrase, “Garv se kaho hum Hindu hai” and emphasised that while Shiv Sena was founded for the welfare of Marathi people, pride in the Marathi language should not come at the cost of disrespecting others.
Acknowledging contributions of Muslims in Maharashtra’s history
During his speech, Thackeray made a special mention of two Muslim individuals and their contributions. He recalled poet Shahir Amar Shaikh, who played a key role in the movement for a unified Maharashtra and frequently visited the Thackeray household. He also mentioned Shamima Akhtar, a Kashmiri Muslim girl, who sang Maharashtra’s state song "Garja Maharashtra Maza” at the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan.
Referring to those who promote divisive politics, Thackeray said, “When she sang this song in front of those who chant ‘Katenge toh batenge,’ they must have started questioning what would happen to their politics.”
Criticism of political betrayal
Thackeray criticised those prioritising religious symbolism over governance, stating, “Performing religious rituals does not define values; being a good citizen does.” He questioned Shinde’s loyalty to Maharashtra, saying, “What is the use of taking a dip in the Ganga and then accepting ‘50 kokhe’ here? No matter how many times you take a dip, the betrayal of Maharashtra won’t be washed away.”
He also referenced remarks made by Tara Bhavalkar, the president of the Marathi Literary Conference, who indirectly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Echoing her, he said, “How can we trust someone who claims to be non-biological? There should be a nationwide discussion on this.” However, he refrained from commenting on the controversial issue surrounding Deputy Speaker Nilam Gorhe.
Marathi identity and opposition to BJP’s policies
Thackeray reaffirmed his commitment to the Marathi identity, stating, “We are Hindus, but we are also Marathi. What we decide becomes the law.” He highlighted his tenure as Chief Minister, during which he made it mandatory to use Marathi on shop signboards, and questioned the audacity of those who challenged this law in court.
While clarifying that he was not against the Gujarati community, Thackeray accused the BJP leadership of attempting to undermine Maharashtra’s economic power. He alleged that central leaders were trying to weaken the Marathi identity by relocating industries outside the state and pushing Marathi people into economic hardship. “But that begging bowl will be thrown back in your face with a Marathi man standing before you," he asserted.
Thackeray also criticised the reluctance to grant Marathi the status of a classical language, questioning the authority of those opposing it. “The language of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was Marathi. If it weren’t for him, you wouldn’t have seen Delhi,” he declared.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Himanta resigns as Assam CM, paving way for formation of new govt
Guwahati (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday resigned along with his cabinet colleagues, paving the way for formation of a new government led by the BJP, officials said.
The BJP-led NDA bagged 102 seats in the 126-member assembly. The assembly elections were held in a single phase on April 9, and counting of votes took place on May 4.
"Following the formal notification of the results of #AssamElections2026 and to enable the formation of the new government, Dr @himantabiswa tendered his resignation as Chief Minister along with that of the council of Ministers to Hon'ble Governor Shri @Laxmanacharya54 today at Lok Bhawan," the Chief Minister's Office said in a post on X.
ALSO READ: 11-year-old dies by suicide after sexual assault in Bareilly; accused arrested
The Governor has accepted the resignation, and requested Sarma to continue as the caretaker CM till the new government assumes office, it said.
Later, speaking to reporters outside the Lok Bhawan, Sarma said the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place after May 11.
“As it was a historic win, we have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the occasion," he said.
The new Assam chief minister will be selected at a meeting of the BJP legislature party in presence of central observers, Sarma said.
