‘Deeply disturbed’ by KDMC events, says Raj while sharing stage with Uddhav

Their coming together came amid talks of differences between them after MNS corporators supported the emergence of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the KDMC.

The joint speech also helped end speculation of friction between the two after MNS corporators backed the Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the KDMC.

Raj Thackeray said he was “deeply disturbed” by what was happening in Kalyan-Dombivli and other places in the state and country and described the developments as “disgusting”. “Be it districts outside Mumbai or Kalyan-Dombivli, I spoke to Uddhav and Sanjay Raut. I got chills and felt disgusted seeing what is happening everywhere. This is what we mean when we say we are disturbed. What is happening and where are we leading all this?” said.

He said the political situation in the state and the country had worsened drastically. “Today, the political situation in Maharashtra and the country is very bad. A slave market has been created. Seeing what is happening, I think it is better that Balasaheb is not here,” said Raj Thackeray, adding that Bal Thackeray would have been deeply hurt seeing the current politics.

“Imagine how disturbed that man would have been. How much pain he would have felt. Earlier, people were auctioned by making them stand in village squares. Today, similar auctions are being held across Maharashtra. This is happening in every district,” he said.

Earlier in the day, in a message issued to mark Bal Thackeray’s birth centenary, Raj Thackeray spoke about the need for flexibility in politics, a comment seen as linked to the KDMC episode.

He said Bal Thackeray had at times adopted flexible political positions but his commitment to the Marathi people had never wavered. Raj Thackeray said that even if the current policy needed flexibility, it would never be for personal gain or selfish reasons.

While addressing the gathering after Raj, Uddhav said that betrayal was not new in the history of Maharashtra and many had tried to erase Thackeray’s name but had not succeeded because it is not a party but a thought process.

While praising the Shiv Sainiks for the fight they put up in the recently held BMC polls, Uddhav announced that he would soon start a new campaign and would soon visit shakhas in Mumbai and also tour the state. “You fought well in the battle of Mumbai. There was a perception that Shiv Sena was over and Thackeray’s name would be erased. You stopped them. This can only happen in Maharashtra because only Maharashtra can do this,” he said.

Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Uddhav said “two businessmen” were using others to attack regional parties. He also indirectly attacked Shinde and asked him what had been achieved by removing the saffron flag of Shivaji from the top of the Mumbai civic headquarters.