Published 09:57 IST, February 3rd 2020
CM Uddhav reiterates pro-Hindutva stance,justifies MVA alliance by citing BJP's PDP tie-up
Speaking to Saamana, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray made it clear that the Sena had not compromised on its core ideology of Hindutva by forming MVA alliance
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Speaking to Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana in an exclusive interview, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray made it clear that Sena had t compromised on its core ideology of Hindutva. At same time, he justified formation of Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance with NCP and Congress. While admitting that Congress had a different ideology, he stated that all parties in country had best interests of ir respective states and country at heart. Taking a dig at BJP’s alliance with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, Thackeray opined that his party had t compromised in this manner.
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Uddhav Thackeray said, “Remember one thing. Everyone has ir own ideology. We are pro-Hindutva and will continue to remain so. While I ackwledge that ideology of Congress is different, if you take example of all parties in country, does ir ideology differ from seeking best interests of states and country? Do we t want to seek best for our state? Do we want to create unrest in state and country? Has ideological compromise as seen in Kashmir happened here?”
Challenge to Shiv Sena's ideology
After breaking its pre-poll tie-up with BJP due to a fight over CM post, Sena decided to join hands with its arch-rivals Congress and NCP. reafter, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as CM of Maharashtra heading three-party government. However, his party has been perceived to have let go off its Hindutva ideology for sake of power. BJP has made this accusation over Shiv Sena’s weak stance on issues such as Veer Savarkar, chanting of provocative slogans, etc. Meanwhile, MNS chief Raj Thackeray sought to capitalise on this ideological vacuum by changing his party flag and giving a speech on January 23 that marked his party’s shift toward Hindutva.
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Ill-fated alliance
Maharashtra CM’s reference was to BJP’s ill-fated alliance with Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP. As 2014 Assembly election in J&K did t give a clear mandate to any party, BJP and PDP came toger to provide a stable government in 2015. BJP was a staunch opponent of PDP due to its alleged pro-separatist stance. situation deteriorated furr when PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away. Ultimately, BJP withdrew its support to government leading to imposition of President’s Rule. Subsequently, Assembly was dissolved as alternative government formation was possible. However, fresh elections have t been conducted in state since n. Moreover, Mehbooba Mufti is one of many political detainees after abrogation of Article 370.
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09:57 IST, February 3rd 2020