‘It’ll Be Either You Or Me’: Uddhav Thackeray Challenges Devendra Fadnavis As Maharashtra Heads Towards Polls

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, in an impassioned speech at the Rangsharda Auditorium in Mumbai on Wednesday, issued a stern warning to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis – “In the end, it will either be you or me.”

Thackeray’s statement, while addressing the party workers in Bandra, has escalated the political tension in Maharashtra, signalling the ongoing conflict between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) will intensify as the state heads towards the crucial Assembly elections.

The remark came in the wake of allegations by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Anil Deshmukh that Fadnavis had been plotting to send Thackeray and his son Aaditya to jail. Thackeray has been reiterating that the BJP’s actions are part of the broader strategy to destroy Shiv Sena (UBT).

ON BJP: ‘GROUP OF THIEVES ENCROACHING MUMBAI’

Thackeray did not hold back while criticising the BJP, labelling them a “group of thieves” and expressing pity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s current rhetoric. Thackeray proudly recounted the fierce electoral battles he had waged, claiming that even Modi had struggled to cope with the pressure during the Lok Sabha elections. “I never became a municipal councillor; I directly became the Chief Minister,” Thackeray reminded his supporters, highlighting his swift rise to power and his efforts to protect Mumbai from what he perceives as “BJP’s encroachments”.

ON BETRAYALS: ‘LIKE ARJUNA IN MAHABHARATA, WON’T I FEEL THE PAIN?’

Thackeray addressed the betrayal from former allies who have now turned against him. Drawing a parallel to the Mahabharata, he likened his situation to that of Arjuna, who was pained to see his relatives on the opposing side of the battlefield. “Will I not feel the pain too,” Thackeray asked rhetorically, acknowledging the emotional toll of facing off against those who were once his closest supporters. Despite these betrayals, Thackeray vowed to stand firm, fuelled by the strength and loyalty of his Shiv Sainiks.

The former Chief Minister also made it clear that he is ready for the challenges ahead, even though he currently lacks an official party symbol, substantial financial resources or formal recognition. “I am challenging everyone solely on your strength,” Thackeray declared, appealing directly to his supporters for their continued backing.

BJP REACTS

In response to Thackeray’s fiery address, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “People of Maharashtra are standing firmly behind Fadnavis. Thackeray tried to stab Fadnavis in the back and also tried to put him in jail. Soon, people of Maharashtra will teach Thackeray a lesson.”

Ahead of the polls, Thackeray’s speech indicates that he is prepared to fight to the bitter end, with the stakes higher than ever in this political showdown.