Uddhav Thackeray Calls Shinde Group ‘Traitors’, Accuses BJP of Deserting Hindutva, Speaks Out on Disha Salian Case

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday broke his silence on the controversy surrounding the death of celebrity manager Disha Salian. The case, which had remained dormant for months, has reignited political tensions after Disha’s father, Satish Salian, filed a petition in the Bombay High Court making serious allegations against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar. He also demanded that the case be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and criminal proceedings be initiated against the two leaders.

Addressing a press conference at Shiv Sena Bhavan, Thackeray strongly refuted any link to the case and dismissed the allegations. "I have no information regarding the Disha Salian case. I have no connection to this matter and I will not comment on anything I am unaware of," he stated.

The remarks came amidst a renewed political storm, with opposition parties and rival factions cornering the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership over the matter. Thackeray, however, used the opportunity to launch a scathing attack on the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction and stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, calling them out for what he described as political opportunism and betrayal.

"They are a traitor Sena. Who were they defending? Someone whose name was not even mentioned. If the Shinde faction feels defamed, then it is evident who the traitors are. The truth remains the truth. Even in villages, people scribble on bulls — that does not make it defamatory unless it hits the guilty," said Thackeray, lacing his response with sarcasm.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief did not stop there. He went on to question the BJP's commitment to Hindutva, accusing the party and its allies of abandoning the ideology they once championed.

"Until yesterday, they were poisoning people, and today they are distributing food grains. They should openly admit that they have given up Hindutva. They have no right to accuse me of leaving it," Thackeray said, adding that BJP leaders who claim to be protectors of Hindutva are now seen visiting mosques and offering gifts.

Thackeray further pointed out the irony in BJP's slogans and campaign rhetoric. "If BJP itself has abandoned Hindutva, are Hindus really safe under them? Those who used to threaten that if divided, Hindus would suffer, are now doing the very things they warned against," he said.