Uddhav Thackeray, the son of the late Balasaheb Thackeray, is facing a political crisis that threatens to undermine his legacy. Not only has he lost the Shiv Sena name, but he has also seen the iconic bow-and-arrow symbol claimed by Eknath Shinde, a former ally who has now become a powerful rival. Shinde has also taken over the chief minister’s position, a move that has added to Uddhav’s woes.
The Price of Ambition
Looking back, Uddhav’s ambition to secure the position of chief minister seems to have cost him dearly. In the recent elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) won just 17 out of 85 contested seats, suffering significant losses in key areas. This poor performance has left Uddhav on a difficult and uncertain path, with little hope for recovery. The losses, especially in Mumbai—once a stronghold—highlight the growing disconnect between the Thackeray name and its traditional support base.
Election Results: A Shocking Outcome
On Saturday, Uddhav Thackeray expressed his disbelief over the unexpected election results, calling them “completely unexpected and incomprehensible.” He compared the outcome to a “tsunami” rather than a wave, suggesting that the people may not fully agree with the results. “The question is whether the general public agrees with it or not,” he said, reflecting the confusion that surrounded the elections.
Questioning the Causes Behind the Defeat
Uddhav was perplexed about the reasons for the wave that led to his defeat. “Did all those people who attended our meetings vote for Mahayuti? Was it because soybeans are not getting good prices? Because industries in Maharashtra are moving out of the state? Because women are not safe?” he questioned, emphasizing that the anger behind the election results was unclear. Despite the losses, Uddhav urged his supporters to stay strong: “Do not be discouraged. This is the victory of EVM; it may be. If the people of Maharashtra do not accept the results, we will continue to fight with all our hearts.”
Rising Discontent and Inflation
Uddhav also touched upon the rising discontent, particularly over inflation. He questioned whether the “Ladki Bahin scheme” played a role in the results, noting that his rallies had drawn large crowds compared to the BJP’s schemes. He pointed out that many people were struggling with rising prices and asked, “Did they vote as a compliment to the increasing inflation?” Despite the overwhelming defeat, Uddhav remained resolute, promising to continue fighting for the rights of Maharashtra. “I cannot believe that Maharashtra, which listened to me as head of the family during Covid, would behave with me in this manner,” he said.
The COVID-19 Leadership Boost
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Uddhav Thackeray managed to connect with the people through social media platforms like Facebook Live. His approach portrayed him as a calm and approachable leader, which earned him widespread praise during those challenging times. However, despite his strong leadership during the pandemic, Uddhav seemed unaware of the growing unrest within his party. Many members were unhappy with his alliance with ideological rivals Congress and NCP, which eventually led to Eknath Shinde’s rebellion in June 2022. This rebellion resulted in the collapse of Uddhav’s government and a deep split within Shiv Sena.
A Continued Battle Against the BJP
Despite these setbacks, Uddhav Thackeray has remained unyielding. He has continued to criticize the BJP and its leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while attacking those he sees as traitors—party members who aligned themselves with Shinde.