Never aspired to become a chief minister: Uddhav Thackeray

In a veiled attack at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Uddhav said that those who betrayed their parent party which enabled their political rise, can also betray the people.

Uddhav was sworn in as the chief minister after the Shiv Sena (undivided) parted ways with its long-time ally BJP and joined hands with the NCP (undivided) and Congress after the Assembly elections in November 2019. (Express Photo)

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said that he never had an aspiration to become the chief minister of Maharashtra, and added that he will never retire from the politics until the people of the state are with him.

Uddhav’s remark came amid opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)’s decision to not declare the chief ministerial face for the upcoming Assembly polls.

The Sena UBT chief was addressing a gathering of state government employees protesting for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme(OPS) in Ahmednagar district.

In a veiled attack at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Uddhav said that those who betrayed their parent party which enabled their political rise, can also betray the people.

“For this reason, I don’t want this government to come to power again. I have no aspirations to be the chief minister now and even that time as well (November, 2019 when the MVA government came to power after elections),” Uddhav said.

However, he had to resign in June 2022 after Shinde rebelled along with 40 MLAs and toppled the MVA government with the help of the BJP.

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Uddhav further said that he won’t retire until people of Maharashtra are with him. “No one can make me retire me till you support me,” he told the gathering.

“Whether I am in power or not, I feel empowered by the support of the people. Balasaheb (Thackeray) never held a position of power but all powers were wrested with him because of people’s support,” the Sena UBT chief said.

“The power goes and comes back… this time the power will definitely come and I will definitely take it and give you justice,” Uddhav told the gathering adding that the OPS will be restored once the MVA comes to power.

Uddhav had been insisting on announcing a chief ministerial face for the MVA. However, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had stated that there was no need for the MVA to declare a CM face and the chief ministerial candidate would be decided based on which party wins the maximum number of seats in the alliance.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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