Amit Shah slams Uddhav for 'surrendering' at Sharad Pawar's feet

Union Home Minister Amit Shah came down heavily on Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday, accusing him of "surrendering at the feet of (Nationalist Party Congress chief) Sharad Pawar" to become chief minister.

Speaking at an event in Kolhapur, he told the party workers that the BJP and its ally should win all 48 seats. Attacking Thackeray, Shah said, "Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena was surrendered at the feet of Sharad Pawar. (Thackeray) contested Assembly elections with us with the largest cut-outs being that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But after the results were out, he (Thackeray) surrendered at the feet of Pawar."

"We are not greedy for power nor have we ever sacrificed our principles. The last Maharashtra assembly election was contested under the leadership of then chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. PM Modi and I had openly said this during our rallies. Despite this, (Thackeray) joined hands with the opposition," he added.

Hailing the Election Commission's decision on Friday to recognise the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena and giving it the bow and arrow symbol, Shah said they (Thackeray group) will now learn a lesson. "By deceit you can attain power for few days, but when it comes to the battlefield, you need courage to win," Shah said without naming Thackeray.

Earlier in the day, Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not just a name but an ideology as his inspiring life story taught generations to practise one's language and religion with pride, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday.

He said that Shivaji's life taught the people to be prepared to lay down one's life in discharging his moral duties and defending 'Swaraj'.

"This theme park will not just depict the inspiring lifestory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but will also convey his life lessons and teachings to future generations. His teachings would inspire people to practice their own language and religion with pride and be ready to sacrifice one's life for 'swaraj'," ANI quoted Shah as saying.