Uddhav Thackeray Challenges Devendra Fadnavis on Lawrence Bishnoi Issue at Dussehra Rally

Mumbai, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT) and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, delivered a scathing critique of the state and central leadership during the party’s annual Dussehra rally at the historic Shivaji Park in Dadar on October 20.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters on Vijayadashami, Thackeray targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He highlighted pressing state issues, including drought and public safety, while also commenting on recent security lapses, notably the attack on actor Tiger Shroff.

Thackeray criticized the government’s response to the incident involving Shroff, labeling Fadnavis a “show-off.” He remarked, “When Tiger Shroff was attacked, these ‘show-offs’ rushed to meet him. The police caught the culprits, but should we commend them for that? It was fortunate for Shroff that he escaped unharmed. What if the bullet had been fatal and the police caught the criminals later? What kind of government is this? It’s infuriating that they leave everything to the police while focusing solely on their image.”

He questioned the effectiveness of routine security checks, asking why they failed to prevent outsiders from entering. “Whenever a minor incident occurs, we are immediately summoned to the police station. Did the police not see the attackers who targeted Tiger Shroff? Were they blind during the blockade? How did those goons get inside?” Thackeray demanded.

Pointing to a recent affidavit filed by the state government in the High Court, he questioned the claim that Maharashtra had become a hub for ‘urban Naxalism.’ He asserted that criminals were actually infiltrating from states like Uttar Pradesh.

Thackeray specifically mentioned Lawrence Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Sabarmati Jail, whose associates allegedly claim to have 70,000 shooters. He challenged Fadnavis, saying, “If you truly have the courage, go to Sabarmati and drag Lawrence Bishnoi out from under your ‘boss’ in Delhi. Then talk big.”

He warned that the ruling party would soon face political repercussions for damaging the country’s economy.

In his speech, Thackeray also acknowledged Abhijit Dipke, founder of CJP, recalling how he met Dipke and young protesters at the site of their first demonstration. He recounted seeing the injuries on protesters, emphasizing their determination: “Even if we die, we will not back down.”

Thackeray insisted that the youth protesting on the streets and at Jantar Mantar were revolutionaries, not Naxals, despite critics labeling them as ‘urban Naxals.’ He noted that middle-class families were also participating in these protests, standing shoulder to shoulder with their children.