Raj Thackeray was first to say Narendra Modi
Raj Thackeray claimed he didn’t make “personal remarks” about Prime Minister Modi even while he was in opposition.
Mumbai: Following weeks of conjecture and discussions with Amit Shah, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Raj Thackeray, finally declared on Tuesday that his party will provide “unconditional support” to the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP coalition in Maharashtra. Speaking at a rally in the state where he announced the decision, Raj Thackeray asserted that he was the first to advocate for Narendra Modi to be India’s prime minister.
“The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP grand alliance has the unwavering backing of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). This support is limited to the NDA coalition and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Everyone needs to now get ready for the elections, according to Raj Thackeray.
Since the undivided Shiv Sena had an alliance with the party in the 1990s, Raj Thackeray, the cousin of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, claimed to have been close to the BJP.
In the vicinity of 1990, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena established an alliance. Following that, I became closer to the BJP and got along well with Pramod Mahajan and Gopinath Munde. I travelled to Gujarat and got to know Narendra Modi, who was the state’s chief minister at the time. When I returned, I was asked how Gujarat was. As I mentioned earlier, Gujarat is developing, but Maharashtra is much ahead. I was the first person in the nation to advocate for Narendra Modi to be the nation’s prime minister.” Thackeray said.
Even in opposition, according to Raj Thackeray, he refrained from making “personal remarks” disparaging PM Modi.
“I sent out the first tweet in favour of Article 370. I’m attending the demonstration in favour of CAA NRC. I never said anything hurtful to anyone. I refrained from criticising on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the same manner as Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut. Given that India is the youngest nation on Earth, it is required of Modi ji to put the country’s youth first and drop everything else. This is the nation’s future,” Raj Thackeray declared.
In response, Uddhav Thackeray said he did not understand and that he did not want to do anything that would split the party.
“I had stated unequivocally that I wanted to avoid doing anything that would ruin the celebration. I had resolved that Balasaheb Thackeray would be my only boss. Nevertheless, I gave Uddhav a chance, but he was not understanding,” Thackeray remarked.
Raj Thackeray is thanked by Eknath Shinde.
Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray received praise from Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his unwavering support of the ruling alliance.
When asked if Mahayuti would grant the MNS seats in the Lok Sabha so they can run, Shinde responded that the Raj Thackeray-led party has not imposed any requirements on backing the three-party coalition.
Raj Thackeray is attacked by Congress
Congressman Vijay Wadettiwar, meanwhile, declared that a tiger had changed into a lamb.
“It seemed certain that Raj Thackeray would accompany the BJP to Delhi. But that a tiger would transform into a lamb at such a young age surprised us. Will a warrior such as Raj Thackeray end up as a slave? Inquiringly, Wadettiwar addressed reporters.
In five stages, Maharashtra will cast ballots for the Lok Sabha on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. June 4 is when the votes will be tallied.
Thackeray’s statement drew attention not only for its historical significance but also for the response it elicited from the Congress party. In a veiled jab at Thackeray, the Congress party made a “lamb” reference, alluding to his perceived shift in political allegiance.
The remark from the Congress party reflects the ongoing political dynamics in Maharashtra, where alliances and rivalries among various parties continue to shape the state’s political landscape. Thackeray’s statement about Modi, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), adds an intriguing dimension to the political discourse, especially considering Thackeray’s past criticisms of Modi and the BJP.
Thackeray’s assertion may be viewed as an attempt to position himself as a political visionary who foresaw Modi’s rise to power long before it became a reality. By highlighting his past statements, Thackeray could be seeking to assert his political relevance and influence, particularly as Maharashtra gears up for upcoming elections.
The Congress party’s response, characterized by the “lamb” jibe, reflects the complex interplay of alliances and rivalries in Indian politics. It underscores the challenges faced by regional parties like the MNS in navigating the ever-changing political landscape and maintaining their distinct identities amidst shifting political currents.
Overall, Raj Thackeray’s claim about being the first to suggest Narendra Modi as Prime Minister and the Congress party’s subsequent response serve as reminders of the intricate dynamics of Indian politics. As political actors jostle for power and influence, statements and counter-statements like these shape public perceptions and contribute to the broader narrative of Indian democracy.