Uddhav Thackeray Condemns Sonam Wangchuk's Arrest: "Fighting for Rights Now Deemed Treason"

While the BJP views it as merchants, his party considers the city as its own life, Mr Thackeray emphasized.

Mumbai:

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday criticized the BJP regarding climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's arrest following violence in Ladakh last month, asserting that advocating for rights and justice is increasingly being treated as treason in the country.

During his address at the annual Dussehra rally, Mr Thackeray compared the BJP to "a single cell organism amoeba."

"It expands according to its will, forms alliances as it pleases, and once its purpose is fulfilled, it moves to another party. It causes stomach discomfort when it enters the body and disrupts peace when it infiltrates society. That's why I refer to it as an amoeba," Mr Thackeray stated.

He further claimed there is no connection between the BJP and effective governance.

Mr Thackeray mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to conflict-affected Manipur, saying the PM failed to acknowledge the suffering of people there.

Regarding the alliance with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Mr Thackeray said, "What did we accomplish on July 5? We had expressed our commitment to remain united. Wherever my mother tongue faces threat, I will not permit any division among Marathi manoos."

Addressing Wangchuk's arrest and the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, Mr Thackeray described Wangchuk as a patriot who developed solar tents for the Indian Army and ice stupas to address water scarcity.

"He was praising PM Modi until recently. But as soon as he began protesting for Ladakh's rights, he was detained under the NSA. Justice and rights are fundamental to democracy. Seeking justice and rights is now being treated as an act of treason in this country," Mr Thackeray remarked.

The government's approach has become one where dissenters are imprisoned, he said while urging that the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act should not be implemented.

Wangchuk was apprehended following violence during a shutdown called on September 24 by Leh Apex Body (LAB) to advance discussions with the Centre regarding demands for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh, which resulted in four deaths and injuries to 80 individuals, including 40 police personnel.

Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act on September 26 and is currently held in a Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.

Mr Thackeray also cautioned the BJP against questioning Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Hindutva, threatening to expose its leaders with photographic evidence.

The BJP should first remove the green color from its flag before challenging Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Hindutva credentials, Mr Thackeray added.

"Are you content with the poisonous fruits born from the RSS' 100-year effort," Mr Thackeray asked Mohan Bhagwat. The RSS' annual Vijayadashmi rally in Nagpur marked the organization's centenary.

Calling for loan forgiveness for rain-affected Maharashtra farmers and Rs 50,000 per hectare assistance, Mr Thackeray claimed the BJP-led Centre has funds to purchase votes in Bihar but lacks resources for flood-ravaged Maharashtra.

With Mumbai civic polls approaching, the BJP is again attempting to create Hindu-Muslim divisions, the former chief minister alleged.

Accusing the BJP of corruption, Mr Thackeray promised that after winning the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, his party would release a White Paper on alleged irregularities in the civic body.

While the BJP approaches it as merchants, his party regards the city as its very life, Mr Thackeray stated.

Mr Thackeray pointed out that Devendra Fadnavis, as opposition leader during MVA rule, had demanded declaration of "wet drought" following heavy rains and floods, but now as chief minister claims no such term exists in official records.

Criticizing the ruling administration, Mr Thackeray noted that while officers are arrested for corruption, ministers are merely warned rather than dismissed despite evidence being presented.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has been demanding resignations from at least three ministers from Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena over alleged corruption and irregularities.