Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: No question of joining NDA, says Shiv Sena (UBT)

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at a rally. Pic/Satej Shinde

As the NDA prepares to form the government, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the BJP of spreading false narratives. It has alleged that the BJP is trying to divert attention by claiming Uddhav Thackeray is in contact with the NDA. Shiv Sena (UBT) has firmly denied these claims, stating that Thackeray is not in communication with anyone from the BJP.

They further accuse the PMO of spreading rumours through BJP-beat reporters. Recent reports have suggested that Uddhav Thackeray, whose party won nine Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, matches the BJP's tally in the state. The BJP, which is 32 seats short of a majority, heavily depends on its allies like the TDP and the JDU. Shiv Sena (UBT) denies any contact with the BJP or involvement in negotiations led by a cabinet-rank minister. "We fought the BJP because they tried to break our party and take everything from us. Why would we consider returning to them? This false narrative is a distraction as state elections approach," said a source close to Thackeray.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at a press conference in Mumbai. Pic/Ashish Raje

Party spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised the media, stating on X: "The journalists working on the BJP beat have only one source - their media advisors sitting in the PMO who are running the BJP's agenda! I want to tell them, there is still time, improve yourself a little! The public itself has debunked all the lies you have presented and has kept you away from the majority."

She continued: "The life of a godi ‘patrakaar': Begin: BJP will win a big mandate with a massive majority in 2019. Middle: Oh look! We are thrilled because exit polls prove our godi ‘patrakarita' with ‘Modi chashma' right. End: No majority? So what, we will spread new rumours that Shiv Sena (UBT) will be back in NDA. Hail Modi."

Aaditya Thackeray also expressed on X: "We have fought for our nation, our constitution, and democracy. The recent elections show that arrogance and dictatorship have no place in our country. The BJP's attempts to change our Constitution and undermine democracy have been rejected. In Maharashtra, voters have opposed the BJP's economic mismanagement and anti-Maharashtra stance. This will be evident again in the upcoming state elections."

Sources within Shiv Sena (UBT) claim that the BJP is desperate to secure enough numbers to maintain control over Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, the last allies of the INDIA bloc. "The BJP is spreading rumours about Shiv Sena (UBT) joining them to ensure they have enough numbers if Kumar and Naidu join the INDIA bloc. They also seek more numbers to secure key cabinet positions at the Centre," a source said.