Uddhav Thackeray Reflects on Past with Rajiv Gandhi at 'Sadbhavana Diwas'

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray reminisced about the past rivalry but mutual respect between the undivided Shiv Sena and Congress at a 'Sadbhavana Diwas' event. He pointed out that no central agencies harassed Shiv Sena leaders during conflicts and criticized the current BJP-led government's use of such agencies against opponents.

During the 'Sadbhavana Diwas' celebration commemorating Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray highlighted the lack of vindictiveness in past rivalries between the undivided Shiv Sena and Congress.

Thackeray noted that central agencies never targeted Shiv Sena leaders despite harsh criticisms from party founder Bal Thackeray against then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Thackeray subtly criticized the current BJP-led Union government for allegedly misusing central agencies against political opponents.

He lauded Rajiv Gandhi's bold measures in dealing with Punjab and northeast militancy and compared it to the current administration's approach toward Manipur and Kashmir. Thackeray urged the Opposition to unite and decisively defeat the ruling coalition in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. He also pointed out BJP's ideological flexibility in alliances, contrasting it with allegations of abandoning Hindutva.

(With inputs from agencies.)