Not Uddhav or Raj, Eknath Shinde is true torchbearer of Bal Thackeray’s legacy: Sanjay Nirupam

Shiv Sena deputy leader and former MP Sanjay Nirupam claimed Eknath Shinde is the true torchbearer of Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy. Journalist-turned-politician, Nirupam, was once part of undivided Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena before joining the Congress and then moving to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Mumbai: In a strong statement against the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday said that the destroyers of Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology cannot claim the legacy of what is now being described as Thackeray-brand. 

The remark surfaces in the wake of the Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray coming together on the issue of Marathi language and pride. 

Shiv Sena deputy leader and former MP Sanjay Nirupam said, “They have distanced themselves from the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray and, therefore, can no longer claim the legacy of the Thackeray brand."

“The Thackeray brand was built on the convictions of Prabodhankar Thackeray and cemented by Balasaheb Thackeray’s powerful leadership. But today’s Thackerays have abandoned those values — for power, for alliances, and for political survival,” said Nirupam.

Nirupam claimed Eknath Shinde is the true torchbearer of Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy.

Nirupam on Thackeray cousins

Journalist-turned-politician, Nirupam, was once part of undivided Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena before joining the Congress and then moving to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

The former MP accused Uddhav Thackeray of betraying Balasaheb’s legacy by aligning with the Congress party, which stands ideologically opposed to everything Balasaheb believed in.

Further, pointed out that Raj Thackeray has adopted an anti-Hindi and anti-Hindutva posture, contradicting the very foundation of Balasaheb’s political philosophy.

Nirupam also condemned recent statements made in Saamana and a rally in Mira Road, where attempts were made to whip up emotional sentiments around the idea of Mumbai being separated from Maharashtra.

“This is a tired political drama that is repeated before every BMC election. The people of Mumbai are not fooled anymore,” Nirupam said.

“Mumbai was, is, and will always remain an inseparable part of Maharashtra. Shiv Sena will strongly oppose any narrative to the contrary," he added.

“Shinde has taken bold, historic decisions for the upliftment of Marathi language, culture, and identity. He is the true symbol of Marathi pride today — not those who sit on the steps of the Assembly making a mockery of leadership,” the Shiv Sena leader said.

Swipe at Aaditya Thackeray

Taking a swipe at Aaditya Thackeray, he added, “The Thackeray brand is not about theatrics or self-pity. It’s about decisive leadership and grassroots connect. The reality is that Aaditya couldn’t even preserve the family’s hold in BMC or among legislators.”

Nirupam emphasised that in today’s Maharashtra, only two political 'brands' hold real sway — Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis.