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    Uddhav Thackeray

    Uddhav Thackeray

    Chief Minister, Maharashtra
    Birth DetailsJuly 27, 1960 | Mumbai
    NationalityIndian
    LeaguePolitician
    EducationGraduate in photography, Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art
    Uddhav Thackeray's journey so far ...
    • The youngest child of Balasaheb and Meenatai Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray had a knack for art. He attended Mumbai's Balmohan Vidyamandir and then went on to do graduation in photography from Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art
    • He had a passion for photography and set up an advertising agency called Chaurang. His photographs have been featured in various magazines and exhibitions
    • Bal Thackeray, who was a political cartoonist, founded the Shiv Sena, essentially a party for the sons of the soil, in 1966. The party peaked in the mid-nineties. In the 1995 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the party bagged maximum seats and formed the government with the Bharatiya Janata Party
    • Thackeray began assisting his father at a time when the firebrand patriarch was ageing and the Shiv Sena's sphere was expanding. He was given charge of the party for the 2002 BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Under his guidance, Sena performed very well
    • Twenty years ago, Thackeray was seen as a reluctant politician. However, he started working more closely with the party and was made the working president in 2003. In 2004, Bal Thackeray appointed Uddhav as the next chief of Shiv Sena
    • In 2006, his cousin Raj Thackeray left the party and formed his own political outfit, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
    • After the death of Bal Thackeray in November 2012, Uddhav was elected as the Shiv Sena President. Following the victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena joined the government at the Centre led by Narendra Modi
    • In the 2014 Assembly elections, Uddhav Thackeray campaigned aggressively for both Shiv Sena and BJP. The NDA won and formed the government in Maharashtra under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis
    • The Shiv Sena, headed by Thackeray, walked out of the NDA after it fell out with the BJP over sharing the post of chief minister following the Maharashtra Assembly elections threw up a hung verdict in October 2019
    • he Sena forged an alliance with the NCP and Congress and formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) which came to power in November 2019 with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister
    • Uddhav became the first member of the Thackeray family to be sworn in as the chief minister of Maharashtra on November 28, 2019, at Mumbai's iconic Shivaji Park
    • In 2021, he was at the forefront of tackling the covid pandemic in the state where daily cases shot up and faced flak from several quarters over his government's handling of the pandemic

    Before you go ...
    • Uddhav became the Editor-in-Chief of Marathi newspaper and Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna in 2006 but resigned from the post before taking oath as chief minister
    • In 2010, he released a photo book named Maharashtra Desha, which captures aerial shots of the state. In the following year, he released another book named Pahava Vitthal which captures various aspects of rural Maharashtra and the Warkaris of Pandharpur pilgrimage
    • He organised photography exhibitions to raise funds for debt-ridden farmers hit by drought in the state
    • He is married to Rashmi Thackeray and has two sons Aditya and Tejas
    • Aditya is the President of Yuva Sena and also a cabinet minister of Maharashtra

    Last Updated: 28/09/2021

    Uddhav Thackeray News

    • Congress will get Malad, Versova, Mumbadevi, Dharavi and Bandra West. It is in negotiations with Sena (UBT) for one of the two seats - Colaba or Malabar Hill. Similarly, they are engaged in discussions for one of the two seats - Sion Koliwada or Wadala.
    • The Maha Vikas Aghadi opposition alliance organized protests across various districts of Maharashtra in response to the Badlapur sexual assault case and the state's management of the situation. Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena, conducted a 'silent' protest at Sena Bhavan in Dadar, while Sharadchandra Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party led a protest in Pune.
    • Maharashtra Bandh: The MVA, consisting of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP, canceled their call for a bandh on August 24 in Maharashtra after the Bombay High Court's intervention. The court stated that bandhs are unconstitutional and would disrupt normal life. The MVA plans peaceful demonstrations instead, expressing disagreement with the court's decision.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray opposed a Bombay High Court order but said the MVA had canceled its proposed Maharashtra bandh on Saturday in response to a sexual abuse case in Thane. Instead, opposition members will protest with black bands tied around their mouths across the state.
    • Maharashtra Bandh on August 24: The Bombay High Court has restrained any political party or individual from calling a bandh in Maharashtra in light of the Badlapur sexual abuse case. Former CM Uddhav Thackeray announced the bandh for August 24, claiming it is for the protection of women, with no political intent. The bandh is expected to last until 2 pm.
    • Maharashtra Bandh Tomorrow: The Maha Vikas Aghadi will observe a 'Maharashtra Bandh' on August 24 to protest the alleged sexual abuse of two nursery girls in Badlapur. Despite the bandh, public transport and other essential services are expected to operate normally. Banks will remain closed as it’s the fourth Saturday.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has called for the withdrawal of cases against protesters in Badlapur, who demonstrated against the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls. The August 24 'Maharashtra Bandh' by the Maha Vikas Aghadi bloc aims to denounce 'perversion,' asking citizens to observe it strictly until 2 pm, with emergency services running.
    • Uddhav Thackeray is attempting to push the two parties to either select a candidate for the Chief Minister's job or simply accept his name for the position by continually bringing it up in meetings with them and reiterating it publicly.
    • ​​While the Sena brass has already conveyed to the allies -- Congress and NCP (SCP) -- its pitch for Uddhav Thackeray as the alliance's CM candidate, it also triggered some resentful murmurs from within the Congress with some pointing out that the party won bigger and better than other MVA allies in the Lok Sabha polls, netting 13 of the 17 seats contested, compared to Sena's 9 (out of 21) and NCP's 8 (out of 10 ).
    • At a 'Sadbhavana Diwas' event, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called the BJP 'poison' and urged for its complete removal. Uddhav Thackeray, attending his first Congress event, described Congress as a better ally. NCP's Sharad Pawar was present too. Kharge stressed the critical role of the Maharashtra state assembly elections in countering BJP's constitutional amendments.
    • The rail roko protest led to the diversion of 12 long-distance trains and suspension of local train services on the Ambernath-Karjat section of Central Railway. The protesters were demanding that the accused be handed over to them so that they could hang him in public. One of the reasons for the anger was the response of the Badlapur police.
    • Uddhav Thackeray, during a 'Sadbhavana Diwas' event, stressed that past rivalries between Shiv Sena and Congress lacked vindictiveness. He criticized the Modi government for alleged misuse of central agencies. Sharad Pawar highlighted the Nehru-Gandhi family's contributions and called for the BJP's defeat in forthcoming elections. Both leaders aimed to forge unity against the ruling regime.
    • Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended his decision to part ways with Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, stressing it prevented the party from breaking. Shinde highlighted the critical role of party workers and the influence of PM Modi's development work on their alliances, including Ajit Pawar-led NCP, in strengthening the party ahead of upcoming elections.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has shown generosity by offering support to any Congress or NCP (SP) leader for the chief minister's post, according to party MP Sanjay Raut. Thackeray's call for the MVA allies to declare their CM candidate was seen as beneficial for Maharashtra. He emphasized the importance of unity among the ruling Mahayuti parties and urged them to announce their CM face.
    • Naresh Mhaske criticized Uddhav Thackeray for opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and questioning the Ram Janmabhoomi project. Mhaske accused Thackeray of betraying Balasaheb Thackeray's vision and succumbing to Muslim support. Thackeray promised to protect all religious properties, including Waqf Board and temples, from any harm during his address.
    • Thackeray said that the Congress and the NCP-SP should declare a chief ministerial candidate before the assembly polls and that he is ready to support any candidate declared by the two parties. "I don't want this experience that we had with the BJP to be recreated again. We were together for 25-30 years and we had an arrangement that the party with the most seats would get the CM post. So, by this logic if you get more seats, you will become CM... so I will pull you down (ensure that the ally does not win) and the other party will pull me down. Then what is the purpose of an alliance," said Thackeray.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray urges MVA alliance to decide on chief ministerial candidate first, rather than going by seat numbers. Thackeray emphasises backing any candidate announced by Congress and NCP (SP) for the position. MVA allies aim to unseat BJP-led Mahayuti coalition in upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. Thackeray criticizes PM Modi's push for a secular civil code, questioning abandonment of Hindutva principles.
    • Maharashtra's political landscape grew tense with Assembly elections on the horizon. Raj Thackeray aimed to regain influence by fielding candidates, Ajit Pawar sought a chief ministerial bid, and Manoj Jarange Patil brought Maratha reservation into focus. Their actions could impact the ruling Mahayuti and opposition Mahavikas Aghadi alliances.
    • Uddhav Thackeray criticized Chief Justice Dhananjaya Chandrachud for prolonged delays in the Supreme Court's decision regarding the Shiv Sena and NCP split. During a meeting with the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Mumbai, Thackeray highlighted frustrations over the slow hearings and drew parallels to Bangladesh's struggle with autocracy, stressing urgency for judicial resolutions.
    • Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray stated ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections that he will not support giving the Chief Minister's post to the party with the most seats. During a joint event of MVA leaders, he stressed the importance of choosing a CM candidate before the elections. The MVA and Maha Yuti alliances will compete in the elections.
    • Thackeray, accompanied by his son Aditya Thackeray and senior party leader Sanjay Raut, met Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge last week in Delhi. They also held talks with NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar.
    • Govind Dholakia promised BJP women MPs a return gift of a diamond for Raksha Bandhan if they visit Surat. Uddhav Thackeray claimed BJP's leadership undermines leaders like Shivraj Chouhan. Congress's Gaurav Gogoi warned MPs against media interactions in Parliament. The contradictions amused many MPs, who view it as an attempt to centralize media control.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut called for the opposition bloc MVA to present a chief ministerial candidate for the forthcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. He highlighted Uddhav Thackeray's and Rahul Gandhi's consistent opposition to the BJP-led central government. Raut hinted at Thackeray as a potential candidate after meeting with Congress leadership in New Delhi.
    • Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray met Congress leaders to discuss the Maharashtra Assembly poll alliance. He emphasized regular meetings for the INDIA bloc and a coordination mechanism. He also met NCP leader Sharad Pawar. Thackeray aims to finalize seat-sharing talks within a month and ruled out aligning with the BJP.
    • Uddhav Thackeray suggested he could be the chief ministerial candidate in upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. During meetings with Congress leaders and other INDIA bloc representatives, he emphasized that people are disillusioned with BJP-led governance and seek change. Thackeray also discussed with coalition partners about contesting the elections unitedly under the MVA alliance.
    • Congress is preparing for the Maharashtra assembly elections, emphasizing farmers' and youth issues, unemployment, and inflation in its manifesto, led by Prithviraj Chavan. The party will hold a rally in Mumbai on August 20, featuring key leaders and allies. Discussions on seat-sharing and campaign planning are ongoing.
    • Uddhav Thackeray voiced strong opposition to the Dharavi redevelopment project by the Adani Group, insisting residents should be rehoused within Dharavi. Sharad Pawar reportedly echoed this sentiment in meetings with Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. Concerns were raised over plans to relocate residents across multiple Mumbai locations, potentially creating multiple slums.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray declared that recent events in Bangladesh demonstrate the power of the people and warned leaders not to test their patience. He challenged Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah to protect Hindus facing persecution in Bangladesh, referencing similar protests in Israel and Sri Lanka. Thackeray is currently in New Delhi to strategise with INDIA bloc leaders for upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand.
    • Shiv Sena called for a narco test on Sachin Waze to clarify bribery allegations against ex-home minister Anil Deshmukh. Waze, reinstated during Uddhav Thackeray's government, was linked to bribery and related crimes. The party questioned the non-publication of a favorable report and criticized Sharad Pawar's statements on potential unrest in Maharashtra.
    • In the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year, the Shiv Sena (UBT) won 9 out of the total 48 seats in Maharashtra. The Congress and NCP (SP), both constituents of the INDIA alliance, won 14 and 8 seats each. Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are due in October this year.
    • Anil Deshmukh accused Devendra Fadnavis of political vendetta through sacked officer Sachin Waze’s bribery allegations. Deshmukh, who resigned in 2021 following extortion allegations, urged the release of the Chandiwal Commission report that supposedly exonerates him. BJP refuted the claims, stating that CBI has substantial evidence against Deshmukh, who may face further legal action.
    • In the 18th Lok Sabha, BJP MP Anil Baluni from Pauri Garhwal is among six MPs from the Garhwal region representing different constituencies and parties, including Samajwadi Party's Dimple Yadav, Congress MP Satpal Brahamchari, and BJP MPs Sakshi Maharaj, Trivendra Singh Rawat, and Mala Rajya Laxmi. Meanwhile, political tensions escalate as Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray body shames BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, prompting a watermelon stunt at a party conclave in Pune.
    • In a heated exchange, Uddhav Thackeray called Amit Shah a political descendant of Ahmad Shah Abdali, prompting Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to label Thackeray part of the 'Aurangzeb fan club.' Thackeray accused the BJP of 'power jihad' by undermining political alliances, reflecting tensions since the 2019 Maharashtra elections.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday accused the BJP of engaging in "satta jihad (power jihad)", claiming that the party is trying to gain power by breaking other parties. Thackeray made these remarks while addressing party leaders during a two-day conclave in Pune, which is aimed at strategizing for the upcoming assembly polls in western Maharashtra.
    • Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has labeled Uddhav Thackeray's arrest claims as a "fake narrative" and criticised him for using inflammatory language. At the launch of the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana,' which offers financial aid to women, Shinde defended the scheme against opposition criticism. He asserted its long-term commitment and emphasising additional benefits like free gas cylinders and educational support for girls.
    • According to information received from Dongri police, a case has been registered against Swarajya Sanghatana's general secretary, Dhananjay Jadhav, and Ankrish Kadam. The Dongri Police said that a case had been registered under Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 126 (2) (wrongful restraint), 189 (1), 189 (2), 180 (4), and 190 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offense committed in prosecution of common object) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023.
    • Ahead of Maharashtra's assembly elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray issued a stark warning to BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, declaring, "Either you will remain or me." Thackeray accused Fadnavis of attempting to frame him and his son Aaditya in false cases and alleged that Fadnavis conspired against them. Thackeray's remarks follow accusations from former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh, who alleged Fadnavis pressured him to implicate the Thackerays in false cases to deflect from his own legal troubles.
    • ​​Modi was made to sweat in Maharashtra during the recent Lok Sabha polls, Thackeray said referring to the campaign undertaken by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), in which his party is a constituent along with the Congress and the NCP (SP). "Modi must come to Maharashtra for Vidhan Sabha polls," he said while addressing party workers here.
    • The Supreme Court will hear a plea by the Uddhav Thackeray faction challenging the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker's decision favoring Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena bloc on August 7. The Thackeray faction alleges Shinde's group is an "unconstitutional government."
    • Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised opposition leader Sharad Pawar as the face of corruption in India during a BJP state convention in Pune. He also targeted Rahul Gandhi's arrogance and Uddhav Thackeray for associating with questionable individuals. Shah expressed confidence in the BJP-led Mahayuti's performance in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls, urging party workers to focus on promoting government initiatives to regain support.
    • Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday pledged to scrap the Dharavi slum redevelopment project tender awarded to industrialist Gautam Adani's firm if his party gains power in Maharashtra. He emphasized the commitment to uprooting any disturbances affecting residents and businesses in Dharavi, promising that locals must be provided with 500 square feet houses in the same locality.
    • The Election Commission of India (ECI) has permitted the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) to accept public contributions, following a similar decision for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)-Sharad Pawar faction. Both parties are contesting ECI's decisions on their symbols and names in the Supreme Court. The ECI's authorization allows the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction to accept contributions from individuals and companies (excluding government companies) under Sections 29B and 29C of the Representation of People Act, 1951. This exemption will remain until the Supreme Court resolves the ongoing symbol dispute with the Eknath Shinde faction.
    • In Maharashtra's political stir, Kangana Ranaut defends Eknath Shinde amid Hindu principles controversy sparked by Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Shinde's alliance shift from MVA to BJP after coalition collapse draws sharp criticism and debate on political ethics. Ranaut counters, citing historical party splits and constitutional norms in defense of Shinde's decisions. The discourse reflects broader concerns over political integrity, religious teachings, and public accountability in Maharashtra's governance.
    • Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand visited Uddhav Thackeray at his residence on Monday, expressing solidarity and stating that Thackeray had been betrayed, which is considered a grave sin in their religion. Avimukteshwaranand criticized the BJP and Shiv Sena, emphasizing that betrayal goes against the principles of Hinduism, and those who suffer from betrayal can still uphold their Hindu identity. He pledged support for Thackeray's return as Chief Minister, asserting that the pain of betrayal would persist until then.
    • Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand, met Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Monday, expressing sympathy for Thackeray's betrayal and suggesting that Maharashtra's pain will persist until he becomes chief minister again. The seer criticized the betrayal as a sin and questioned the recent foundation stone laying of a Kedarnath temple in Delhi by Uttarakhand's chief minister.
    • West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Mumbai and met with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence 'Matoshree' in Bandra. During a joint press conference, Banerjee remarked that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre is unstable and may not complete its term.
    • West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed doubts about the stability of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre during her visit to Mumbai. She met with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and planned to meet NCP president Sharad Pawar, highlighting her engagements with key opposition figures. Banerjee, alongside Thackeray, emphasized uncertainties about the government's future, suggesting it may not complete its term. This meeting marks a significant interaction between Banerjee and Thackeray since the Lok Sabha elections, underscoring their alliance within the Opposition's INDIA grouping.
    • West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee plans to hold discussions with Shiv Sena, NCP, and SP leaders in Mumbai. She also criticizes BJP and media for biased reporting. Banerjee's visit to Mumbai coincides with Mukesh Ambani's son's wedding.
    • A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoh Misra was urged by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for UBT leader Sunil Prabhu, that the plea needed to be listed for hearing as even the term of the assembly is nearing its end.
    • Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde confirmed Ajit Pawar's budget schemes, like Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and three free cylinders, are permanent. Responding to Uddhav Thackeray's voter luring claims before assembly polls, he called them a Raksha Bandhan gift. After Shiv Sena split, Shinde formed government with BJP support, results showed in Lok Sabha.
    • hiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticised the Eknath Shinde government for offering short-term schemes like Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana to woo women voters before Maharashtra assembly polls. Thackeray demanded farm loan waivers and called out the BJP for caste division. He accused the ruling alliance of using schemes as temporary election tactics, questioning their implementation.
    • Punjab Shiv Sena leader Sandeep Thapar, descendant of martyr Sukhdev Thapar, was attacked by Nihangs with swords outside Ludhiana Civil Hospital despite police protection. Rajiv Tandon, Shiv Sena Punjab President, reported Thapar was assaulted after attending a memorial function. Perpetrators fled; Thapar was hospitalized. Shiv Sena leaders protested at both hospitals, criticizing police response.
    • Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde comments on Uddhav Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis sharing a lift, sparking speculation. Shinde hints at potential challenges reaching the sixth floor. The incident occurred in the state assembly last week.
    • In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Pune, More garnered just 32,012 votes and lost his deposit. The seat was won by BJP's Murlidhar Mohol, who was later made a Union minister. More's entry into the Shiv Sena (UBT) is likely to boost its prospects in Pune, which is the state's second largest city.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticised the suspension of Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra legislative council, Ambadas Danve, calling it a one-sided, pre-planned conspiracy. Thackeray questioned the lack of opportunity for Danve to present his side and demanded action against BJP and Shiv Sena leaders for similar remarks.
    • Participating in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the president's address, Trinamool Congress member Kalyan Banerjee said the recent Lok Sabha elections had ushered in a change in the country which now has "an unstable government and a strong opposition".
    • The exchange of goodwill gestures between India and Bangladesh, with PM Sheikh Hasina sending mangoes, hilsa fish, and sweets to Tripura CM Manik Saha, reflects the deepening ties between the two nations. In return, Saha's gift of pineapples showcases the positive trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations, strengthening bilateral cooperation.
    • After the Lok Sabha polls, the Mahayuti alliance is strategizing for the upcoming assembly polls, focusing on a populist budget. With the MVA combine's strong performance, a challenging political landscape lies ahead for the ruling alliance in Maharashtra.
    • BJP leader Ashish Shelar has called for an investigation into the previous Uddhav Thackeray government's alleged failure to provide a written assurance that no construction would occur on 180 acres of excess land reclaimed during the Mumbai Coastal Road project. Speaking to reporters outside the state legislature on Thursday, Shelar expressed concerns that there might have been a plan to hand over this land to builders.
    • In Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, the BJP got some critical decisions wrong, which resulted in it falling short of a majority on its own in Parliament
    • Uddhav Thackeray files disqualification petitions against rival Eknath Shinde's legislators after split, demands halt to Maharashtra Legislative Council elections.
    • Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray dismissed rumors of his faction aligning with the BJP to support the NDA government, emphasizing they would never join forces with a party that tried to undermine them. Addressing party workers in Matunga on Shiv Sena's inauguration day, Thackeray asserted their commitment to seeing the current government fall and expressed a preference for fresh elections or INDIA bloc governance
    • SBSP had fought the Lok Sabha polls as part of NDA and Rajbhar's son Arvind Rajbhar lost Ghosi to the SP candidate. While OP Rajbhar claimed that the viral video was 'mischievously edited' to show him in a bad light, some BJP leaders like Anil Rajbhar advised him to watch his words.
    • When asked about the brand value of Ajit Pawar being dented after the latter won just one Lok Sabha seat, Sharad Pawar referred to the recent Organiser column where an RSS ideologue had slammed the BJP for joining hands with Ajit Pawar. Pawar said, "The article in the organizer reflected their (BJP) experience of (working with) Ajit Pawar."
    • ​​In the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Congress won 13 seats, a quantum jump from the solitary seat it won in the state in 2019, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) bagged nine and the NCP (SP) eight. In the seat-sharing deal for the general elections, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party had got the largest share of seats among the three parties.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut have approached a special court here seeking to set aside the summons issued against them by a magistrate in a defamation case filed by rival Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale. The move comes months after the magistrate rejected their discharge application, citing that after the order to issue process in summary cases, the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) does not provide a specific provision for discharging the accused.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray questioned if PM Modi would visit Manipur following RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks on the state's unrest. Thackeray also criticised the lack of progress post-Article 370 abrogation in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed concern over terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the country's future over NDA government He affirmed unity within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi for the upcoming state legislative council polls.
    • Congress expresses displeasure over Uddhav Thackeray's unilateral announcement of Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates for Legislative Council elections in Konkan Graduates and Nashik Teachers' constituencies. Maharashtra Congress demands withdrawal, highlighting communication gaps with Thackeray.
    • Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis offered to resign but decided to continue working despite BJP's poor performance in Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized the importance of not running away when faced with challenges, drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
    • The NCP (SP), the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress are constituents of the MVA, a state-level alliance, and they are also part of the INDIA bloc. "There is tremendous unrest among people about the state government," Patil said, hitting out at the Shiv Sena-led ruling coalition which also consists of the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
    • Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar has learnt the hard way that a thin line separates confidence and overconfidence. During the election campaign, when Uddhav Thackeray repeated that BJP would not return to power, Shelar said Thackeray should quit politics if the NDA tally in Maharashtra crosses 45. He added that he would quit politics if the Opposition tally reaches 18 in Maharashtra. After MVA bagged more than 18 seats, Opposition politicians are taking turns to tag him on X, to ask when he would quit politics and who his replacement would be.
    • ​​Among the prominent winners is Supriya Sule, who won the Baramati seat for the fourth successive time by defeating Sunetra Pawar, the wife of her cousin and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The fight for the Baramati seat was being keenly watched as it was for the first time that two members of the Pawar family were fighting the polls against each other in their home turf.
    • The biggest electoral exercise in the country concluded with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena shining in Maharashtra, winning 9 out of 21 contested Lok Sabha seats. The party faced a tough Sena vs Sena battle in Mumbai North West, losing by a slim margin of 48 votes.
    • In the recent Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena secured seven out of the 15 contested seats, including Thane, but lost two constituencies in Mumbai to its rival Shiv Sena (UBT). Notably, Shiv Sena directly contested with its rival in 13 seats, winning six of them. Looking forward, all eyes will be on the crucial assembly polls later this year.
    • Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, buoyed by the Lok Sabha polls, pushes for forming the next government at the Centre.
    • Congress leader Sonia Gandhi expressed her party's hope that the results of the Lok Sabha elections will be different from the exit polls. She said that they have to wait and see, and that they are hopeful that their results will be different from the exit polls. Most exit polls predict Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a third term, with the BJP-led NDA expected to win a majority. Congress and other INDIA bloc parties have dismissed the exit polls, claiming they were a "fantasy" and that the opposition alliance will form the next government.
    • Amravati MLA Ravi Rana claims Uddhav Thackeray will join the Modi government in 15 days post Lok Sabha election results. Ravi Rana's wife Navneet Rana, the sitting MP from Amravati, contested on BJP's ticket.
    • The MVA government under Uddhav Thackeray fell in June 2022 after Eknath Shinde led a rebellion in Shiv Sena and joined hands with the BJP to become the chief minister. Congress is an MVA partner.
    • ​​"He (Kirtikar) should not act in a way that will hurt the party or lead to confusion among people. This is my firm opinion," he added. Kirtikar had said that CM Shinde had offered his son Amol to make him an MLC and invited him to the party. "He refused as he is a loyalist. I don't think that I have violated the party discipline," Shishir Shinde said.
    • BJP, while admitting that voting was slow, slammed Thackeray for his charges. State electoral officer S Chockalingam in a statement said: "Due to overwhelming response in the morning hours, queues were seen at some polling booths. Special efforts...were taken to expedite the polling process..."
    • Meghana, wife of Shiv Sena MP Gajanan Kirtikar, expressed disapproval of his decision to join Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's party, instead voting for their son Amol, a Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate in Mumbai North West. Gajanan sided with Shinde in the party split, while Amol remained loyal to Uddhav Thackeray. Meghana, Gajanan, and their daughter voted, with Meghana stating her support for Amol.
    • ​​Speaking at his last rally here before the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections ended in Maharashtra, Thackeray also said that the Election Commissioner who was "acting like Modi's servant" will be removed after the INDIA alliance government comes to power.
    • Responding to a question on PM Modi' statement that the Congress will bulldoze the Ram mandir in Ayodhya and also restore Article 370 if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, Kharge said, "We have never used a bulldozer on anyone. Modi has the habit of lying and inciting people about things which Congress will never do or the things that are impossible to be implemented."
    • "We are fighting to save the country's independence... Whenever there are elections, you keep raking up the issue of Hindus and Muslims. His (Prime Minister Narendra Modi's) stomach hurts that Muslims support Uddhav Thackery and INDIA bloc. Muslims are called infiltrators; sometimes they are described as having more children and allegations that properties are given to them," said UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for targeting him and NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar. Thackeray said Modi's desire is to reclaim the PM's post rather than pave the way for the next generation. Thackeray emphasized loyalty versus betrayal battle in the Lok Sabha election, highlighting the significance the coalition model against Modi's rhetoric.
    • Director of Ego Media Pvt Ltd, which installed the collapsed hoarding in Mumbai's Ghatkopar, Bhavesh Bhinde was arrested two months ago for alleged rape under the pretext of marriage. He is currently missing and untraceable. Bhinde has multiple cases against him for violating BMC laws on hoardings. The collapsed billboard claimed at least 14 lives and left 74 injured amid allegations of weak foundation.
    • Talking of the Shiv Sena split, he said it happened as Uddhav was 'insecure' over Eknath Shinde. "To project Aaditya Thackeray, Shinde's wings were clipped. In the 2019 assembly polls, Shinde had provided the resources for the party and there was an impression that he would be made the chief minister.
    • After a Mumbai hoarding collapse, Kirit Somaiya raises concerns over permissions granted by police officers instead of the city civic body. He emphasizes the need to remove dangerous hoardings exceeding size limits.
    • Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), firmly rejects any chance of making amends with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mumbai during the preparations for the last phase of voting for 13 seats in Maharashtra. He criticizes PM Modi's remarks and emphasizes on public impact over political maneuvering.
    • The 11 constituencies - Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi and Beed - are spread across the central Marathwada as well as northern and western regions of the state. Voting will take place from 7 am to 6 pm at 23,284 polling centres, according to data provided by the office of the state's chief electoral officer.
    • Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches during the poll campaign, Thackeray said, "He (the PM) has Pakistan in his speeches while the opposition speaks about India." The former CM also accused the BJP of "bringing Lord Ram" in the election discourse because the ruling party has nothing to project in terms of development.
    • Uddhav Thackeray's inclusive politics garners Muslim support in Maharashtra. Muslims appreciate his stance on unity and inclusivity, leading to a shift in their perspective towards Shiv Sena under Thackeray's leadership.
    • The PM had made the remark referring to a statement by Pawar, the founder of the NCP, who had predicted that many smaller parties opposed to the BJP would come close to the Congress, and some may even "merge".
    • Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal warned that all the opposition leaders, including Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee, and MK Stalin would be sent to jail in case the BJP-led NDA comes to power after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
    • Uddhav Thackeray, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, highlighted the difference between the Hindutva of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena, stating that while their Hindutva lights stoves in people's homes, the BJP's Hindutva burns their homes. He accused the Prime Minister of exerting pressure on the judiciary and claimed that the BJP government has snatched powers from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Thackeray also criticized the Prime Minister's remarks on black money and urged him to stop politics in the name of Hindus and Muslims.
    • "Now I am telling you instead of dying by joining the Congress, come with your heads held high and join hands with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde and all your dreams will be accomplished," Modi said.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said some in the opposition want to bury him alive, but people of the country are his security shield and they won't let any harm come to him. Lashing out at the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) headed by former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, the BJP stalwart asserted the "nakli (fake) Shiv Sena" abuses him in such a way that it pleases its "favourite vote-bank".
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, calling it "fake" and accusing it of campaigning with a convict from the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case for votes. Modi alleged that the Shiv Sena is aligning with criminals and using divisive language. He also attacked the Congress, claiming it is conspiring to "eliminate" the Hindu faith and accusing it of being anti-national. The Prime Minister's comments were made during a public meeting in Maharashtra's Nandurbar ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The voting for the fourth phase is scheduled for May 13, with results expected on June 4.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the "duplicate NCP and Shiv Sena" of planning to merge with the Congress after the June 4 Lok Sabha election. He urged them to instead join Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde. Modi also criticized the Congress for conspiring against Hindu beliefs and spoke out against providing quota benefits based on religion.
    • BJP alleges Iqbal Musa at Shiv Sena rally, denied by Musa and Kirtikar. Uddhav Thackeray criticized. Kirtikar emphasizes state's role in rally security. Musa denies involvement in blasts, cites past accusations.
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