The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a blistering attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, questioning his silence over controversial remarks made by ally Jitendra Awhad, an NCP (SP) MLA, who labeled Sanatan Dharma as “extremist” and linked it to “Sanatani terrorism.” Maharashtra BJP chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye demanded to know whether Thackeray, a self-proclaimed champion of Hindutva, endorses Awhad’s statements, accusing him of surrendering to the Congress’s alleged agenda of minority appeasement.

Awhad’s remarks, made on August 2, 2025, following the acquittal of all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, ignited a firestorm. He claimed, “Sanatan Dharma has ruined India,” asserting it denied Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj his coronation, defamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji, and persecuted reformers like Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Awhad further called Sanatan Dharma a “perverted ideology,” reigniting debates over “saffron terror” after the Malegaon verdict.

Upadhye, addressing reporters, alleged a “political conspiracy” by Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) to vilify Sanatan Dharma and Hindutva activists, claiming the Malegaon case was a failed attempt to frame Hindu leaders. “After the court exposed the fabricated narrative of saffron terrorism, a fresh campaign targets Sanatan Hindu Dharma. Does Uddhav Thackeray approve of this vilification?” he asked, citing Mahatma Gandhi’s 1921 Young India article, where Gandhi declared himself a “Sanatani Hindu” with faith in Hindu scriptures.

Also Read: Shiv Sena Gains Momentum as Seven Ex-UBT Councillors Join Shinde’s Fold in Yavatmal

BJP leaders, including Sambit Patra, Arun Govil, and Brij Lal, echoed Upadhye’s sentiments, condemning Awhad’s remarks as an insult to India’s cultural heritage. Patra questioned whether Awhad’s views reflect NCP (SP)’s official stance, urging Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule to clarify. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske and Sanjay Nirupam also criticized Awhad, with Nirupam calling Sanatan Dharma the “root of India’s culture” and its survival through centuries of invasions a testament to its resilience.

The BJP accused Thackeray of abandoning the Hindutva ideology championed by his father, Balasaheb Thackeray, for political gains within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Upadhye warned that this “divisive” campaign risks polarizing society, especially ahead of the 2026 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The controversy, amplified by Awhad’s history of similar remarks, has put the MVA under scrutiny, with the BJP framing it as an attack on India’s “inclusive and tolerant” Sanatan tradition.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi’s Birthday Cheer for Uddhav Thackeray Sparks Maharashtra Unity Call