'Real Issues, Real Hindutva': Uddhav Thackeray On Facing Criticism Over His Stance

Last Updated:November 17, 2024, 17:06 IST

Dismissing the allegations by the ruling Mahayuti, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray called them a distraction from the pressing issues in poll-bound Maharashtra

Former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray highlighted his vision for addressing farmer issues, unemployment, women’s safety, and the exodus of industries. (Image: PTI/File)

Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has said those who claimed he had forgotten Hindutva should first take care of the “real issues" of the state, including giving fair prices for soybean to farmers and bringing them out of distress.

“Those who claim I have forgotten Hindutva should first take care of the real issues in Maharashtra. Give farmers fair prices for soybean, make them debt-free, create jobs for the youth, and ensure safety for women. That is the real Hindutva," he told News18 in an exclusive interview in which he responded strongly to criticism from the opposition regarding his stance on Hindutva.

Dismissing these allegations, Thackeray called them a distraction from the pressing issues in poll-bound Maharashtra. He also highlighted his vision for addressing the farmer issues, unemployment, women’s safety, and the exodus of industries from the state.

He criticised the ruling Mahayuti regime for failing to stabilise prices for soybean. “Our MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) government will ensure a good price for soybean and support farmers in distress. We will not allow rates to drop further," he said with the state going to polls on November 20.

Thackeray further said his government will directly engage with farmers to address their concerns. “We will speak with the farmers, understand their needs, and provide fair rates for soybean in Maharashtra. Farmers are the backbone of our state, and their well-being will always be our priority," he said.

He expressed his disapproval of the state government’s ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme, which provides financial assistance to women. He described it as superficial and ineffective in addressing the real needs of women.

“There is no brother-sister relationship in this scheme. By giving women token money, they think they’ve empowered them. Which woman would like that? Women need security and jobs, not charity," he added.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief’s comments seemed to reflect a growing sentiment that the scheme has failed to address structural issues faced by women in the state. He stressed on his commitment to reversing the migration of industries from Maharashtra to other states, particularly Gujarat.

“Businesses that have moved out of Maharashtra will be brought back. We will ensure no more industries leave the state," he said.

He said he is concerned over loss of jobs and economic opportunities in Maharashtra, saying: “The people of Maharashtra don’t want free money; they want employment. It is unacceptable that all jobs and industries are going to Gujarat. We will stop this trend and bring industries back to our state."

News elections 'Real Issues, Real Hindutva': Uddhav Thackeray On Facing Criticism Over His Stance