Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 19: Uddhav Thackeray’s bold assertion that “Thackeray is not just a brand, it is Maharashtra’s identity” has reignited political tempers across Maharashtra, drawing fierce reactions from the MahaYuti alliance and deepening the ideological fault lines within the state’s political landscape.

In a no-holds-barred interview to party mouthpiece Saamana, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief accused Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his allies of “hijacking” the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray for political survival. He further lashed out at the Election Commission of India (EC), claiming, “They gave away our symbol, but not the soul. The EC had no right to hand over the party name.”

The remarks have drawn sharp responses from MahaYuti leaders, who say Thackeray is battling political irrelevance and is betraying the very ideals his father built.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC dismissed the interview as a “scripted monologue,” alleging that the platform lacked journalistic rigour.

"What we see is frustration. If Uddhav wants to speak honestly, he should do it outside Saamana. Sanjay Raut’s staged questions are more therapy than journalism," she said.

BJP MLA Ram Kadam accused Uddhav of abandoning Balasaheb’s Hindutva vision and letting Sharad Pawar and Rahul Gandhi dictate his path.

"That’s why the real Shiv Sainiks stood with Shinde — they saw who stayed true to Balasaheb’s ideology," Kadam said.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal called Uddhav’s statements “a tantrum of a defeated man,” adding, “He is lashing out at institutions out of frustration.”

In a sharp counter, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey defended Thackeray, stating the EC’s decision was politically influenced.

"The EC acted like a puppet of the Centre. Shiv Sena was founded by Balasaheb, built by Uddhav, and still belongs to those who sacrificed for it — not the defectors," Dubey said.

He added that the party looks forward to the August 20 court hearing, confident that justice will prevail.

"Shiv Sena means Thackeray. It’s not just a name; it’s a movement. The EC must act like an autonomous institution, not a subordinate of the ruling party," he said.

As the political war of words intensifies, the battle over the Shiv Sena’s identity appears far from over — setting the stage for another fierce legal and electoral showdown.