Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging a deliberate campaign to diminish the prominence of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Speaking at the 65th foundation day celebration of Marmik, the magazine founded by his father, Bal Thackeray, and uncle, Shrikant Thackeray, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister accused certain forces of attempting to marginalize the state’s cultural and economic stature.

“Efforts are underway to reduce the importance of Mumbai and Maharashtra, whether through the imposition of Hindi or other means to erode our identity,” Thackeray declared on Wednesday. He emphasized that the Marathi community fought to secure Mumbai’s place in India, recalling the struggles before the Shiv Sena’s formation in 1966. “The Marathi manoos was once treated as an outsider. They’re trying to recreate those conditions, but we will not let them succeed,” he vowed, pledging that Shiv Sena (UBT) and Marmik would continue their fight against such efforts.

Thackeray also criticized what he called distractions, such as controversies over feeding pigeons or stray dog policies, designed to divert attention from critical issues like unemployment and infrastructure. He specifically referenced a recent Supreme Court order on August 11 by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, directing the relocation of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets to shelters. Thackeray praised Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai for agreeing to review the issue following public outcry, noting, “Justice must address the people’s concerns.”

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Turning to his party’s legal battle, Thackeray urged the Supreme Court to expedite the hearing of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s plea challenging the Maharashtra assembly speaker’s decision to allot the iconic ‘bow and arrow’ symbol to the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. “It’s been three to four years, and justice delayed is democracy denied,” he said, addressing the judiciary with folded hands. A Supreme Court bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi had previously noted the prolonged pendency of the case, emphasizing that such uncertainty cannot persist.

Thackeray’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Maharashtra, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) positioning itself as a defender of Marathi identity and regional pride against the BJP-led coalition. As Mumbai remains a focal point of economic and cultural significance, Thackeray’s call to action signals a renewed push to safeguard the state’s legacy.

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