Uddhav Thackeray has emerged as the linchpin of the Opposition's strategy in Maharashtra.

Uddhav Thackeray's transformation into a formidable Opposition leader could present a tough challenge for the BJP in the state.

During a packed rally in Kolhapur on May 1, Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena and successor to Bal Thackeray, posed questions to the crowd, asking if they had received the promised ₹15 lakh in their accounts or if their incomes had doubled since the BJP came into power. The resounding "No!" from the audience underscored the sentiments on the ground. Thackeray's impassioned speeches have solidified his position as the leading figure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the INDIA bloc, which are key players in the escalating political landscape in Maharashtra.

The friction between Thackeray and the BJP traces back to the 2019 assembly elections when the longstanding alliance between Shiv Sena and BJP fractured. Despite previous collaborations aimed at consolidating the Hindu and Marathi votes, post-election disagreements over power-sharing and the chief ministerial role severed their partnership. This rift deepened when Shiv Sena forged an alliance with NCP and Congress, forming the MVA government, challenging BJP's supremacy in Maharashtra's political arena.Continue reading with HT Premium