Uddhav's strength has diminished, says Rane on Sena (UBT) announcing to go solo in local body polls
The Hindu
BJP MP Narayan Rane criticizes Shiv Sena's decision to contest local elections alone, questioning Uddhav Thackeray's leadership strength.
BJP MP Narayan Rane on Sunday (January 12, 2024) slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray over the party's announcement about contesting the local bodies elections solo, alleging that the latter's strength had diminished.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday (January 11, 2024) announced to contest local bodies polls solo, raising a question mark over the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi's unity. Party leader Sanjay Raut cited the lack of opportunities for workers of respective parties in an alliance and the right to organisational growth as the considerations for contesting solo.
Mr. Raut said the INDIA bloc and MVA alliances — comprising Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP) — were meant for the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Rane said, "Uddhav Thackeray once spoke with confidence, but now his strength has diminished. What will happen if they contest alone? The party no longer has the capability. In two and a half years, he has lost what was achieved under Balasaheb Thackeray in 46 years."
The announcement of the Shiv Sena (UBT) to go solo in local body elections comes amid rumours that the party is softening its criticism of the BJP and Fadnavis' "anything can happen in politics" remark.
Asked about the perception of growing closeness between the Sena (UBT) and BJP, the former union minister said, "I am unaware of it. It feels fine to me. Senior leaders will make a decision on this, and we will accept it."
He also refused to comment on whether the BJP would contest the local body elections independently.
Lionel Messi's assists lead Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup title, celebrating a historic victory with co-owner David Beckham.
A fire at a crowded Goa nightclub kills at least 23, highlighting serious fire safety violations and emergency response challenges.
IndiGo's Hyderabad flight disruptions continue with 115 cancellations on December 7, totaling over 500 in five days.
PM Modi offers ₹2 lakh ex-gratia to families of 23 victims of Goa nightclub fire, and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Mumbai faces a severe air pollution crisis, impacting residents' health and escalating medical expenses amid bureaucratic inaction.
Rupee at 90: foreign capital exits, imports jump, and RBI eases its defence. A breakdown of the market forces and policy choices shaping the currency slide.
North Goa club midnight blaze follow The Hindu LIVE updates on December 7 2025
Australia activates disaster relief for New South Wales as wildfires threaten properties and infrastructure, with no casualties reported.
Australia’s Pat Cummins confirms he’ll return for the third Ashes Test, easing concerns for the struggling England side.
The Shakespeare Millennium Club in collaboration with the Annai Velankanni Church (Society of St. Vincent De Paul), conducted a Free Medical Camp on November 23, 2025 at the church premises from 9 am to 6 pm, with Dr. Samundi Sankari and Dr. Divya Sivaraman of Srushti Hospitals, Dr. Sharada L N of Aramba, the Kumaran Dental Clinic, Lychee and Satya Physiotherapy Centre, according to a press release.
Hyderabad police support senior citizens living alone, enhancing safety, preventing fraud, and fostering community connections through regular visits.
Explore the vital role of Humanities in fostering critical thinking, empathy, and social harmony amid the STEM-focused higher education landscape.
Tiruvannamalai removes 450 metric tonnes of waste from Maha Deepam day in a two-day cleanup by 2,300 workers.