In a bold escalation of pre-poll rhetoric, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan has declared Maharashtra’s former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray an outright enemy of the Muslim community ahead of the high-stakes BMC elections. The statement, delivered at a packed election meeting, has ignited a fresh controversy in Mumbai’s volatile political arena.
Pathan, known for his outspoken style, painted Thackeray’s Shiv Sena as historically hostile to Muslims, citing decades of acrimonious relations. ‘They talk of Hindutva but practice hatred against minorities. Uddhav is no different from his father Bal Thackeray,’ he alleged, referencing past inflammatory speeches.
The BMC polls, delayed multiple times due to legal hurdles, promise to be a litmus test for Maharashtra’s fractured alliances. Governing over 1.2 crore residents, the corporation’s budget rivals many states, making control a prized possession.
Pathan’s AIMIM is aggressively expanding in Muslim-dominated areas, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional parties. He criticized Thackeray’s Maha Vikas Aghadi ties as opportunistic, claiming they offer no real protection to minorities.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders countered by accusing Pathan of divisive politics aimed at splitting anti-BJP votes. ‘This is desperate vote-bank engineering,’ a senior functionary remarked.
Background checks reveal Shiv Sena’s evolution under Uddhav, who softened the party’s aggressive stance to broaden appeal. Yet, Pathan argues these are mere tactics.
With nominations opening soon, expect more barbs. Voter turnout and minority consolidation will be key. Mumbai’s diverse electorate, blending business tycoons and slum dwellers, holds the power to redefine local governance.