Shiv Sena Split: The Union Home Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Amit Shah, on Saturday took a jibe at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray amid revolt in the party for the second time in four years, saying there is only one Shiv Sena, which is headed by Eknath Shinde. His remark was an apparent reference to the imminent split in the Thackeray-led Sena.
Earlier, people had to refer to the Shinde-led faction separately, but "now no faction remains, and there is only one Shiv Sena, which Shinde, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, heads.
Shah Attacks Thackeray Over Infiltrators
The Home Minister accused Thackeray of sitting in Congress's lap and trying to turn infiltrators into a vote bank, warning that India is not a dharmshala.
"These Congress leaders and Uddhav ji, who is sitting in the lap of the Congress, want to survive by turning infiltrators into a vote bank. I want to tell them clearly that this country is not a dharmshala (charitable shelter). Only those who belong to this country will live here," Shah said.
Ready To Quit As Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief If Workers Don't Trust Me: Uddhav
On Friday night, an emotional Thackeray said he had not lost his resolve despite challenges and attacks, but was ready to quit his post if the party didn't have faith and trust in him. In his first comments on the impending split in his party, Thackeray said he has been leading the outfit for over a decade and given the persistent attacks on him, he was ready to quit the top Shiv Sena (UBT) post.
The former Maharashtra CM was addressing a gathering organised to mark the 60th foundation day of the Shiv Sena in Mumbai. "I would be happy if someone from the party ranks becomes the next Shiv Sena president, but I will not let it pass on in the hands of thieves," an emotional Thackeray told his supporters.
(With PTI inputs)