Uddhav Thackeray Calls for Change in Government Amid Criticism of Current Regime
Uddhav Thackeray urges collective action to protect democracy, criticizing the central government for stifling dissent and peaceful protests.
Mumbai, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), strongly criticized the central government on Saturday for allegations regarding attempts to change the government. Speaking at an awards ceremony organized by the All India Journalists Conference, he stated, “If opposing the government through democratic means is considered an attempt to change power, then yes, we are trying to bring about a change in government. We stand here to uproot this power.”
Thackeray questioned how the opposition could remain silent when the ruling party denies citizens their fundamental rights to express their opinions through elections and peaceful protests. He condemned the government’s tendency to label anyone who raises their voice against it as anti-national.
In response to the controversy surrounding the term “power change,” Thackeray referred to recent comments made by advocate Prashant Bhushan in Delhi. He asked, “What is wrong if the ruling party claims we are trying to change this system?”
He emphasized that when protesters are deprived of their rights to vote freely and demonstrate, standing up for a government change is justified. Thackeray also launched a sharp attack on police actions against protesters in Delhi, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, and those deploying thousands of police officers, asking, “Were these officers brought in to play Garba during Navratri?”
Thackeray accused the police of brutality against young protesters, stating that they are being assaulted, with reports of violence against women and girls, including hair pulling and clothing tearing.
Stressing that the defense of democracy is not the responsibility of a single person or a pen, Thackeray called for a collective effort from society. He likened this to Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain with the help of all villagers, urging everyone to contribute to the protection of democracy.
He warned that without collective action, the crisis facing democracy would deepen, ultimately affecting everyone. Thackeray advised journalists to maintain complete impartiality, urging them to act like referees in sports—unafraid to show yellow or red cards to any player, regardless of their status, when they commit fouls.
He emphasized that no matter how influential or famous a person may be, journalists must have the courage to expose wrongdoing.
