Sun Nov 17 01:53:12 IST 2024: ## Thackeray Vows to Prevent “Traitors” from Power in Maharashtra

**Mumbai, November 17, 2024** – Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray expressed regret over the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) failure to name a chief ministerial candidate before the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Despite this, he declared his willingness to support any MVA candidate chosen for the top post, stating unequivocally, “We will not let Maharashtra’s traitors come to power.”

In an interview at his residence, Matoshree, Thackeray responded to Sharad Pawar’s suggestion that the largest MVA party should receive the Chief Minister’s position by affirming his support for whoever the alliance nominates. This includes leaders such as Supriya Sule, Rajendra Shingne, Nilesh Lanke, and Jitendra Awhad.

Thackeray strongly criticized the BJP’s “vote jihad” accusations, daring them to amend the Constitution to specify voting eligibility if they believed such manipulation was occurring. He dismissed the accusations as “stupidity,” highlighting the BJP’s own alliances with various political figures.

The interview also addressed key election issues. Thackeray highlighted the MVA’s focus on addressing agricultural distress, unemployment, and inflation, while also criticizing the BJP’s “Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana” as a form of bribery and blackmail. He promised superior support for women and farmers, including a ₹7,000 MSP for soybean and free education.

Thackeray further rejected BJP claims that “vote jihad” secured MVA’s Lok Sabha election victory, countering with accusations of BJP’s own “power jihad” through political alliances. He also defended Rahul Gandhi’s respectful actions at Balasaheb Thackeray’s memorial, challenging the BJP’s reliance on the late leader’s name for votes.

Regarding the possibility of members from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction rejoining his party, Thackeray confirmed ongoing contact but expressed reluctance to accept them, citing their past actions. He emphasized his commitment to preventing the BJP’s “batoge toh katoge” (divide and rule) strategy from succeeding. Finally, he commented on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud’s residence, suggesting a breach of protocol and questioning the lack of justice received by his party in recent years.

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