Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Manipur in the light of recent comments by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding the situation in the northeastern State.
He also inquired about the tangible changes on the ground following the dilution of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. “Mohan Bhagwat has said that Manipur is burning. He has at least said this after a year [since the violence began]. Will the Prime Minister and Home Minister not go there?” Mr. Thackeray asked.
On Monday, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat voiced his concern over the ongoing unrest in Manipur, stressing that the situation in the conflict-ridden northeastern State needs immediate attention.
Mr. Thackeray stated that if Mr. Modi could not manage these issues, he did not deserve a third term as Prime Minister. He said that Jammu and Kashmir was experiencing significant turmoil. “Lives are being lost. Who is accountable for the terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir?” the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader asked.
“I am concerned about the country’s future, not the future of the NDA government,” he added.
On Wednesday, officials reported that a CRPF jawan was killed, and six security personnel were injured in two overnight encounters with terrorists in Kathua and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, nine people were killed and 33 injured when terrorists attacked a bus carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Sunday evening, causing the vehicle to fall into a gorge.
Mr. Thackeray also emphasised the unity within the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress, and the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar, regarding candidates for the upcoming State Legislative Council polls in four constituencies. There are no differences between us, he said.
Acknowledging a gap in communication, Mr. Thackeray said that he had been unavailable after the Lok Sabha election. During this period, all parties had declared their candidates for the State Legislative Council polls. The deadline for filing nominations was June 7. Voting is scheduled on June 26 and results will be announced on July 1.
The biennial election for four Legislative Council seats — Mumbai Graduates, Konkan Graduates, Mumbai Teachers, and Nashik Teachers — are necessary as the terms of the current members will expire in July.
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On Tuesday, the Congress expressed dissatisfaction with Mr. Thackeray for “unilaterally” announcing Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates for the Legislative Council polls in the Konkan Graduates and Nashik Teachers constituencies, demanding their withdrawal.
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole had said he had attempted to contact the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader when the candidates were announced, but the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief was abroad.
Mr. Patole stated that Congress had decided on Sandeep Gulve for the Nashik Teachers constituency and informed Mr. Thackeray of the same. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has nominated MLC Anil Parab and J.M. Abhyankar for the Mumbai Graduates and Mumbai Teachers constituencies, respectively.
