Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray Rejects Merging with Congress, Emphasizes Party's Independence

Uddhav Thackeray dismissed claims that his party Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) may merge with the Congress. In fact, rebel MPs had cited the possibility of the Shiv Sena (UBT) merging with the Congress as the reason for leaving the party. On the occasion of the party's 60th foundation day on Friday (June 19), Uddhav Thackeray said that if we did not merge with the BJP even after 30 years with the BJP, then where did the talk of merging with the Congress come from. The Shiv Sena UBT chief said that the Shiv Sena is not made to merge with anyone. The Shiv Sena is made for the rights and struggle of the Marathi manoos. He said, "I will not say that the Congress never bothered us. Half of our political life has been spent in opposition to the Congress, because at that time we were with the BJP and Balasaheb Thackeray stood in support of them. The Congress broke our people, but never made him the chief minister. The Congress harassed us but did not look at the greed of Matoshree Thackeray." In his speech in Mumbai, Chandrashekhar said, "No less than a word of respect to the Congress."