Maharashtra Politics: Ashish Shelar Slams Thackeray Rally As 'Theatrical', Draws Pahalgam Parallel; Kishori Pednekar Hits Back

Mumbai: BJP Mumbai president and Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar launched a sharp attack on Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray following their recent joint rally, calling the event “an over-staged spectacle” filled with incomplete thoughts and irrelevant speeches.

Commenting on the performance of both Thackerays, Shelar remarked, “One left his thoughts incomplete, while the other rambled without relevance. It was more of a theatrical show than a political statement.”

Drawing a disturbing parallel, Shelar referenced the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, linking it to violent incidents involving MNS workers. “While the two situations are not the same, both disturb me deeply. In Pahalgam, people were shot after being identified as Hindus. Here in Maharashtra, innocent Hindus are being assaulted after being questioned about their language. This is deeply worrying,” he said, accusing certain political factions of using fear as a tool to gain votes. “The British ruled by dividing us. Today, some parties are trying to spread fear and secure votes the same way.”

Shelar also questioned the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT)’s stance on education policy: “Why should only your children be entitled to study three languages, while other students in Maharashtra are denied the same opportunity?”

Calling out what he termed “fake love” for the Marathi language, Shelar alleged that Uddhav Thackeray had no qualms about aligning with the BJP in the past. “When power was the goal, Uddhavji gladly accepted our support to govern at the Centre, in the state, and even in Mumbai’s civic body. But then, greed for the Chief Minister’s chair made him switch loyalties to the NCP and Congress,” he said.

“Now, sensing defeat in the upcoming BMC elections, they are trying to align with MNS. This is nothing but opportunistic politics, a game Sanjay Raut and the UBT Sena have mastered,” Shelar added sarcastically.

However, he did acknowledge the personal reconciliation between the Thackeray brothers. “It’s good to see two brothers and their families come together — that’s in line with our Hindu values. But when it comes to their political narrative, it lacks both depth and sincerity.”

Mumbai BJP Chief Ashish Shelar Slams Uddhav & Raj Thackeray For Pushing Personal Agendas Under Marathi Pride (VIDEO)

Concluding his statement, Shelar urged citizens not to fall prey to divisive politics. “Those who lack substance resort to gimmicks. Those who cannot connect with the public try to polarise society. No law-abiding citizen of Maharashtra needs to live in fear. BJP has always upheld the pride, language, and culture of the Marathi people — and we will continue to do so. Even a Marathi should not provoke another Marathi. But that doesn't mean anyone should feel threatened.”

Reacting to the remarks, former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar hit back, saying, “Ashish Shelar should first answer — where are those Pahalgam terrorists? Your government failed to arrest them.