Shiv Sena-UBT rift due to ‘deviation’ from Bal Thackeray’s core Hindu ideology: BJP

New Delhi, June 17 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-UBT of “deviating” from Bal Thackeray’s core Hindu ideology for the current crisis within the party, four years after its first major split in 2022.

Significantly, Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut had alleged that monetary transactions were involved to “lure” party leaders into the Eknath Shinde-led faction.

Reacting to Raut’s allegations, BJP leader Rohan Gupta said: “This reflects their real mindset. A party that claims to be built on the principles of Balasaheb Thackeray — where does that party stand today? Today, it stands with the Congress on all issues.”

Questioning Shiv Sena-UBT’s ideology, Gupta added: “If it (Shiv Sena-UBT) can stand with the Congress even in matters of appeasement then where is its original ideology?”

Targeting Raut, the BJP leader said: “Using this kind of language reflects their frustration.”

Moreover, he accused Sanjay Raut of hatching a conspiracy to destroy Shiv Sena-UBT by turning into a “well-wisher” of other political parties.

Echoing similar view, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma alleged: “Dissatisfaction has been brewing within their (Shiv Sena) party ever since they aligned with the Congress, a party that shares the ideology of the Muslim League.”

“Those who themselves diverted from the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray, are today accusing the BJP,” he told IANS.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi claimed: “Leaders are not defecting from the party, in fact, the party itself is breaking up.”

He urged the Shiv Sena-UBT leadership to “self-introspect”.

BJP leader Ram Kadam added: “Uddhav Thackeray’s arrogance and his departure from the core Hindutva ideology of his late father, Balasaheb Thackeray, are two major reasons behind the situation.”

“Not meeting people, staying inactive, living under the illusion of self-glorification, and his behaviour towards party workers, have all contributed. Because of these reasons, his party has split several times in the past. At present, the kind of language used by Uddhav Thackeray himself and the statements made by his leader Sanjay Raut make it clear why people are leaving him,” he said.

Taking the criticism further, BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban said: “Sanjay Raut has developed a habit of using below-the-belt language, but such words should not be used in public life. His frustration is clearly visible, and he seems to need mental treatment.”

–IANS

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