Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing criticism against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the purpose of his scheduled visit to the United States instead of addressing the crisis in violence-stricken Manipur. Speaking at a state-level convention, Thackeray called on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government to prioritize resolving the ongoing unrest in the northeastern state and challenged them to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) nationwide.
Thackeray, addressing party members at the convention, expressed his concerns over the escalating violence in Manipur and highlighted the urgent need for national unity in addressing the crisis. Referring to the Prime Minister's visit to the US and Egypt from June 20 to 25, Thackeray criticized the decision, emphasizing the imperative of addressing the situation in Manipur.
"One part of our country is in the grip of violence, and Modi hasn't gone there or taken steps to resolve the crisis, but is going to America," Thackeray said, questioning the Prime Minister's priorities.
More than a month ago, Manipur was engulfed in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, leading to the tragic loss of over 100 lives. Despite the gravity of the situation, Thackeray asserted that the Prime Minister's visit to the US should not overshadow the pressing issues within the country.
Thackeray also highlighted the need for dialogue and trust-building to restore peace in Manipur, urging the BJP-led government to take immediate steps to halt the violence and ensure the seamless supply of relief materials to the displaced. He further emphasized that implementing the UCC would be a significant step toward fostering unity and equality among diverse communities in the nation.
The Shiv Sena president's critique of the central government extended beyond the Manipur crisis. Thackeray questioned why elections were not being held in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, expressing concerns about the safety of Hindus in the region.
Thackeray's remarks also touched upon the internal political dynamics, specifically referencing the split within Shiv Sena last year. He underlined the importance of national stability and criticized the BJP-led government for creating an unstable environment. Thackeray called for unity among opposition parties, inviting them to come together and challenge the BJP.
The convention served as a platform for Thackeray to reinforce his party's stance and rally support from party members. He urged Shiv Sena (UBT) workers to defeat the rebels within the party at all levels, emphasizing the need for a united front.
