Won't let Uddhav come out of his home if he doesn't stop using objectional language against Fadnavis: Maharashtra BJP chief

Nagpur: Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday said the party workers would not let Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray step out of his residence in Mumbai if he continues to use objectional language against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Earlier in the day, Thackeray dubbed Fadnavis a "worthless" home minister and the latter replied with a "weak former chief minister" jibe.

"Maharashtra had seen a very responsible chief minister in Devendra Fadnavis who had also served as the home minister (2014-19) and before that, he was the opposition leader. On the other hand, Uddhav Thackeray didn't step out of his house when he was the CM. He doesn't know the problems faced by the last man in society," Bawankule said. Addressing reporters in Thane, Thackeray has demanded the resignation of Fadnavis after a woman worker from the Thackeray-led faction was allegedly attacked by activists of rival Shiv Sena.

Fadnavis hit back, saying Thackeray was a "weak" chief minister who had sacrificed his ideology for the sake of power and need not be given importance. "If Uddhav Thackeray continues to use objectionable words against Fadnavis, BJP will not spare Thackeray and will not let him come out of his residence. He will have to remain confined to his house," Bawankule said. He said Thackeray was born with a golden spoon and his only identity is he is the son of Bal Thackeray. Slamming Thackeray, the BJP leader said Uddhav's only "achievement" is getting elected using photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi but later joining hands with the Congress and the NCP to become the chief minister.

Thackeray became chief minister in November 2019 with the support of the NCP and Congress but the coalition government collapsed in June 2022 after Eknath Shinde rebelled and walked away with 39 MLAs of Shiv Sena. He later took oath as the chief minister with the support of the BJP. Bawankule alleged Thackeray is acting like a frustrated man who goes to commit suicide, and using "uncultured" language. "But by using such words (against opponents), Uddhav Thackeray is on the path of committing political suicide," he said.