BJP’s dream of ruling BMC won’t come true: Uddhav Thackeray

Taking a dig at ally BJP, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said the former’s dream of capturing power in BMC will not become a reality. The Sena chief also objected to allegations about growing intolerance in the country. The Sena on Saturday celebrated late party supremo Bal Thackeray’s birth anniversary at Shanmukhanand hall in central Mumbai.

“A few are thinking of winning the BMC polls. They also had similar dreams for Delhi and Bihar polls but failed. In BMC also, only Shiv Sena will hoist its saffron flag and nobody else,” Mr Thackeray told his partymen. The BMC elections are scheduled in 2017 in which both Shiv Sena and BJP are likely to go solo. Both parties have started pitching their agendas and instructed activists to prepare to face the polls alone.

On the issue of intolerance, Mr Thackeray alleged “biased attitude” from a few over speaking for Hindus.

“Nowadays, if we take side of Hindus, we are called intolerant. I do not support any violence and condemned Dadri lynching. But Savan Rathod was burnt in Pune by pouring petrol over him because he was a Hindu. Is this not intolerance ” he said.

Praising Bal Thackeray on the occasion, Uddhav Thackeray said he protected Hindus during 1992-93 riots despite not being in power.

“Balasaheb used to say that we will not do injustice and will not tolerate injustice of any kind. This is Hindutva and Nationalism,” he said.

“Our Shiv Sainik Ramesh Varunj gave up his own life to save people who were drowning in water. He did not see their religion. This is our Nationalism,” he further added.

”We do not want Hindus who can only ring temple bells. We want Hindus who teach terrorists a lesson,” Mr Thackeray said. He said his party will hoist its flag not only on the BMC but in Maharashtra as well.