Mumbai: On Sunday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray shared a story on how late Bal Thackeray supported then CM Narendra Modi after the Godhra riots in Gujarat.
He said that Balasaheb supported PM Modi. He said, “There was a campaign ‘Modi Hatao’ after the riots. Advani had come to Mumbai for a rally. At that time, he asked Balasaheb if Modi should be removed. Balasaheb had said don’t touch him. Modi gaya to Gujarat gaya. Modi was not projected as PM. But we supported Hindutva.”
“I still have a connection with Modi, but that doesn’t mean there will be a coalition,” he further added.
His remarks came amid questions were raised about Shiv Sena’s Hindutva stand as MNS racked up loudspeaker issues in mosques. This was followed by the row over the Hanuman Chalisa recital.
Speaking at the public gathering, Thackeray also spoke about the misuse of central agencies by the BJP-led Centre. He suggested that soon just like West Bengal, CBI and ED will be facing resistance in Maharashtra.
“Everything has a limit. Central agencies fear to go to West Bengal. It should not become in other states too. Politicians act but officials are beaten up. Centre should not use them for political gain. PM is for entire country. They should fight enemies of the country.”
Taking a swipe at MNS on loudspeaker issue, Thackeray said, there are some players who keep changing flags.
“First, they tried to attack non-Marathi people. Now they are attacking non-Hindus. Marketing ka zamana hai. Ye bhi nahi chala to kuch aur. Supreme Court has given order on loudspeakers. I don’t think they have said about one religion. The guidelines are for all religions,” he said.
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