Modi gaya toh Gujarat gaya: Uddhav on how Bal Thackeray stood by PM after Godhra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday shared an anecdote of how late Bal Thackeray supported then CM Narendra Modi after the Godhra riots in Gujarat.

Thackeray said, “There was a campaign ‘Modi Hatao’ after the riots. Advani had come to Mumbai for a rally. At that time, he asked Balasaheb if Modi should be removed. Balasaheb had said don’t touch him. Modi gaya to Gujarat gaya. Modi was not projected as PM. But we supported Hindutva.”

Thackeray further added, “I still have a connection with Modi, but that doesn’t mean there will be a coalition.”

His statement comes amid questions about Shiv Sena’s Hindutva stand as MNS racked up loudspeaker issues in mosques followed by the row over the Hanuman Chalisa recital.

Addressing a gathering, Thackeray also spoke about the misuse of central agencies by the BJP-led Centre and suggested that agencies like CBI and ED may soon face resistance in Maharashtra like West Bengal.

“Everything has a limit. Central agencies fear to go to West Bengal. It should not become in other states too. Politicians act but officials are beaten up. Centre should not use them for political gain. PM is for entire country. They should fight enemies of the country.”

Targeting MNS on loudspeaker issue, Thackeray said, there are some players who keep changing flags.

“First, they tried to attack non-Marathi people. Now they are attacking non-Hindus. Marketing ka zamana hai. Ye bhi nahi chala to kuch aur. Supreme Court has given order on loudspeakers. I don’t think they have said about one religion. The guidelines are for all religions,” he said.