Speaking at a rally in Hingoli, Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray, the president of Shiv Sena (UBT), compared the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to an amoeba, suggesting that the BJP-led front lacks a definitive shape and size, much like an amoeba, according to a PTI report.
Uddhav Thackeray criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s labeling of the opposition INDIA alliance as “ghamandia” (arrogant) and “Indian Mujahideen.” He retorted that the NDA should instead be called “ghama-NDA,” where “ghamaandiye” means arrogance.
He also directed his comments toward K Chandrasekhar Rao, the chief of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Telangana chief minister, urging him to clarify whether he supports the INDIA alliance or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Thackeray highlighted the distinction between the INDIA alliance, composed of nationalist parties aiming to safeguard democracy, and the NDA, which includes parties that have joined the BJP by breaking away from other parties or allegedly harboring traitorous elements.
Comparing the NDA to an amoeba, Thackeray emphasized that it lacks a clear structure or coherence, while asserting that the INDIA alliance will overcome the BJP.
He called on K Chandrasekhar Rao to make a choice between supporting the nation or aligning with the BJP, urging him to avoid dividing votes.
Thackeray criticized the BJP-led government for permitting an India-Pakistan cricket match in the upcoming World Cup in Ahmedabad.
Thackeray’s criticism extended to the BJP as he referred to it as a party of “Aaya Ram Gaya Ram” (leaders frequently switching sides), expressing concern about the frequent shifts in political allegiances within the party. He also questioned the growing number of leaders joining the government, referencing Ajit Pawar’s addition as a “third engine.”
Addressing the recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe against NCP leader Hassan Mushrif, who joined the Maharashtra government, Thackeray questioned the agency’s actions.
Thackeray ridiculed the “Shasan Aplya Dari” (government at your doorstep) initiative led by Eknath Shinde’s state government, criticizing it as mere falsehoods and highlighting issues such as delayed compensation for farmers’ crop losses due to unseasonal rains.
Thackeray called for unity among opposition parties, emphasizing the importance of nationalist parties uniting against the BJP for the sake of the nation and democracy.
The INDIA alliance is scheduled to hold a meeting in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1, during which Thackeray will host a dinner for opposition leaders.
