Guwahati: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray called for new elections on Friday in his first public outing following the election of Eknath Shinde to that position.
Thackeray added that he will forbid the renegade group from using the Shiv Sena’s election symbol.
He said, “I challenge them to have assembly elections today. People will send us home if we have done something wrong. If this was the only option available to you, you should have acted in a respectful manner two and a half years ago. All of this would not be required to occur.”
“No one has the right to take the Shiv Sena’s bow and arrow symbol. People, however, pay attention to the individual who has stolen the symbol as well as the actual symbol, he added.
Thackeray continued by charging the opposition with remaining silent as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) persecuted and “abused” him and his family over the course of the previous 2.5 years.
“You keep in touch with them and betray your own party like this,” said Thackeray without naming Eknath Shinde.
He further said, “Some individuals say they will come to Matoshree if they are called. They assert that they respect me. I’m grateful. However, you would not have needed to go on this tour if you had come and spoken to me first. But now you are surrounded by those who have mistreated my family. They have attacked the reputation of our company. Decide whether your respect and love are sincere.
“The 15–16 MLAs who have stood by me despite threats make me proud. Satyameva Jayate, not Asatyameva Jayate, is what makes this nation prosper, he added.
According to the former chief minister, the Supreme Court will make a decision on Monday about the future of the Shiv Sena and Indian democracy.
The Supreme Court has not yet made a judgement regarding a petition that called for the disqualification of 16 Shiv Sena rebel MLAs and the Thackeray faction’s action against Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s invitation to the Shinde rebel camp to form a government in the state.
He said, “We are worried about democracy and the constitution. I trust the judicial system. Everyone is waiting to see what judgement the court will render. People are keeping an eye on us to see how robust our democracy is. I have no concern about the choice. The course of the law will be followed.”
Thackeray said, “No one can expel the Shiv Sena. A party that works locally and a party in the legislature exist. Can you keep the party going despite the absence of MLAs? They want to instil terror in people. Avoid falling for that. There is a difference between a registered party and a legislative party.”
On June 30, Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP took the oath of office as Shinde’s deputy.
Shinde also won the trust vote with 164 votes in favour and 99 votes against in the 288-member legislature.