Uddhav Thackeray is ‘modern-day Duryodhan’, says Naresh Mhaske

Shiv Sena MP and party spokesperson Naresh Mhaske launched a blistering attack on Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, branding him as the "modern-day Duryodhan" for sidelining Raj Thackeray and pushing him out of the party.

“Just like Duryodhan refused to give even a needlepoint of land to his brothers, Uddhav Thackeray denied Raj Thackeray his rightful place in the party. He discarded him like a pebble,” said Mhaske. “Raj had no choice but to walk away.”

Mhaske accused Uddhav Thackeray—referred to by critics as "UBT"—of political opportunism, alleging that his sudden overtures towards Raj Thackeray are driven purely by desperation ahead of upcoming municipal elections. “UBT now has no mass leader left. That’s why he suddenly remembers Raj,” he added.

Mhaske was referring to speculation that Raj Thackeray and UddhavThackeray may come together after Raj said he is willing to work with anyone for the cause of Maharashtra as he is “not bigger than Maharashtra”. Uddhav responded to this call saying he is also willing to extend a helping hand provided Raj agrees that he will not have anything to do with BJP or Eknath Shinde-led ShivSena.

Turning to national issues, Mhaske condemned the Uddhav Thackeray faction for opposing the Waqf Board Amendment Bill in both Houses of Parliament. “MP Arvind Sawant opposed it in the Lok Sabha and Sanjay Raut in the Rajya Sabha. When Waqf Board lands are being misused for anti-national activities, why are you opposing amendments that promote accountability? Is this your idea of Hindutva?”

He also took a jab at Uddhav’s discomfort in acknowledging Balasaheb Thackeray as “Hindu Hriday Samrat”.

“You seek votes from mullahs and maulvis but hesitate to take pride in Balasaheb’s Hindutva legacy?” Mhaske asked.

Calling out alleged hypocrisy, Mhaske accused Uddhav and Aditya Thackeray of meeting CM Devendra Fadnavis behind closed doors while publicly criticizing the BJP. “This is classic double-speak. They attack Modi, Shah, and Fadnavis in public but meet them under the guise of official work.”

India