In Sambhajinagar, Uddhav Thackeray attacks BJP over Shiv Sena support and alleged misuse of power

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday attacked BJP, saying several BJP politicians owed their political survival to Shiv Sena and accusing the party of arrogance, corruption and misuse of power."Had the Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray not nurtured you, you would not have survived," Thackeray said while addressing a rally organised to campaign for 96 Shiv Sena candidates in the upcoming Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation elections. His remarks were seen as a retort to former BJP state president Raosaheb Danve's recent comment that all opponents ate from the BJP's plate.Thackeray alleged that elections are influenced by money power, and intimidation. He claimed that funds are transferred digitally ahead of polls and that central agencies such as the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and the Income Tax Department are used to pressure opposition politicians so that rival candidates do not remain in the fray. "Even in such circumstances, we are challenging those in power. They will not be able to withstand this challenge in the civic body," he said.Calling the civic polls a fight for survival rather than mere political existence, Thackeray said those intoxicated with power "ate, grew arrogant and left". "We will make a fresh beginning, just as we did in 1988. If elections are turned by money power, people will not give it any importance," he said.Mounting an ideological attack, Thackeray said BJP abandoned its ‘nation first' stand. "BJP that spoke of nationalism is dead. Rapists and murderers are acceptable. Goons and the corrupt come first now," he alleged. He also criticised state govt over civic issues, saying people do not get drinking water while liquor licences are issued swiftly, and accused the ruling dispensation of dishonesty.Senior Shiv Sena politician Chandrakant Khaire claimed that peace maintained in the city since 1988 enabled industrial growth and said the credit for preventing communal riots went to the Shiv Sena. Without naming MP Sandipan Bhumare, Khaire also alleged that some MPs could not read Marathi and only focused on opening liquor shops.During his speech, Thackeray also targeted state minister Sanjay Shirsat, alleging dynastic politics, and raising questions over his son Siddhant and daughter Harshada contesting the civic elections.Thackeray said projects worth Rs 2,500 crore were approved for the city during his tenure as chief minister, including schemes worth Rs 1,680 crore for which work orders were issued. He alleged that water supply, road works and infrastructure projects deteriorated after 2022, accusing the present regime of making false claims and turning ‘Super Sambhajinagar' into a centre of corruption.Former leader of opposition in the legislative council Ambadas Danve alleged large-scale irregularities in municipal projects, including the water supply scheme and land allotments, and claimed that investigations into alleged scams are stalled.