Special Correspondent
Mumbai: In a sensational and politically explosive statement, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Ramdas Kadam has accused Uddhav Thackeray of plotting the assassination of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.
Speaking to Marathi news channel ABP Majha, Kadam alleged, “We were on our way to Kankavli when senior police officers advised us to change our route. They said there was a plot to assassinate Raj Thackeray. As per my understanding and based on information received by Raj Saheb himself, the person behind this plan was Uddhav Thackeray.”
Kadam further claimed that the Kankavli Superintendent of Police did not allow them to proceed and instructed them to return. He asserted that there was a full-fledged political effort underway to eliminate Raj Thackeray from the political landscape.
Kadam added that Raj Thackeray never made excessive demands. “He had only requested control over two districts Pune and Nashik and left the rest of the party in Uddhav Thackeray’s hands. Yet Uddhav refused. Was Maharashtra not important to him then? Did he not understand the interests of Marathi people?”
He went on to accuse Uddhav of valuing Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over the state. “Just like a demon’s life resides in a parrot, Uddhav’s political life is tied to the BMC. He is even willing to use Raj Thackeray for his own gains just to retain Mumbai.”
Raising further questions about Uddhav’s political affiliations, Kadam asked whether Uddhav would ever break ties with Congress for the betterment of Maharashtra. “We still don’t have a clear answer. As elections near, Uddhav continues with his strategy of emotionally blackmailing the Marathi population by pretending that Mumbai will be handed over to Gujarat.”
“I say this with full honesty: I am a fan of Raj Thackeray,” Kadam stated. “I truly admire and love him. I urge him, as a close friend and admirer, to reconsider his association with Uddhav Thackeray. What good can come to Maharashtra from this alliance?”
Taking a sharp dig at the current political dynamics, Kadam said, “Today, Uddhav Thackeray is practically begging Raj Thackeray to support him. The man who once dismissed Raj’s position is now chasing after him with a begging bowl.”
The remarks have triggered strong reactions across political circles, particularly with Maharashtra heading into key elections. While Uddhav Thackeray has yet to respond publicly to the allegations, observers believe this may further deepen the rift between the Thackeray cousins and shake up the fragile opposition alliances ahead of the state polls.
