Mumbai, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday accused the BJP of deliberately fuelling social and linguistic divisions in Maharashtra, alleging that controversies surrounding Chhath Puja were being used to divert public attention from administrative and economic issues.
In a statement, Thackeray alleged that the ruling party was keeping communities divided while allowing its favoured associates to benefit. “They want to keep us fighting while they keep eating,” he wrote.
He claimed that when people were not caught up in disputes over religion, caste, language or food choices, they were drawn into debates over issues such as UPI merchant charges, Aadhaar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Thackeray accused the BJP of manufacturing controversies, including the Chhath Puja row, to secure what he described as a “free hand to loot the Sahyadri of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”. He said his party would continue to defend Maharashtra’s interests and self-respect without falling into what he called a political trap.
Addressing Chhath Puja devotees, Thackeray urged them not to become instruments of electoral politics. He appealed to both Marathi-speaking people and North Indian communities to remain alert and avoid being drawn into manufactured conflicts. He also warned that those allegedly attempting to disrupt social harmony would be held accountable.
His remarks came amid heightened political tensions over Chhath Puja celebrations in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. Earlier on Friday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray had similarly accused the BJP of exploiting the controversy and using social media campaigns to fuel a Marathi–North Indian divide ahead of upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections.
Both leaders have appealed to party workers and the public to exercise restraint and prevent tensions from escalating.
FOLLOW NOW
