Uddhav: NDA is like an amoeba with no definite shape and size; is also 'arrogant'

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday (August 27) drew a comparison between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and an amoeba, asserting that the BJP-led coalition lacks a distinct form and size.

Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for calling the opposition INDIA alliance as "ghamandia" (marked by arrogance) and "Indian Mujahideen", Thackeray said the NDA should be called "ghama-NDA" ("ghamandiye" meaning arrogant).

Addressing a rally at Hingoli in Maharashtra, he also asked Telangana Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao to clarify whether he supports the INDIA alliance or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"The INDIA alliance comprises nationalist parties that want to protect democracy in the country. But most parties in the NDA comprise traitors and those who have joined the BJP as allies by breaking other parties," Thackeray said.

"The present NDA is like an amoeba, which has no definite shape and size...The INDIA alliance will defeat the BJP," he said.

The former chief minister asked BRS chief Rao to decide whether he was fighting for the country or supporting the BJP.

"If you are with the country, then join the INDIA alliance or declare your alliance with the BJP openly. Don't divide votes," Thackeray said referring to the BRS trying to enter electoral politics in Maharashtra.

The BRS should first focus on its own backyard, which is not in good shape, the Sena (UBT) president said.

Thackeray appealed to people to join the INDIA alliance for protecting democracy and the Constitution.

"The opposition bloc hasn't united against PM Modi, but for the sake of the country," he said.

The INDIA alliance meeting will be held in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1. Thackeray is scheduled to host dinner for the leaders on August 31.

Thackeray also criticised the BJP government for allowing a cricket match between India and Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup in Ahmedabad.

Targeting the BJP, Thackeray said his former ally is a party of "Aaya Ram Gaya Ram" (leaders switching sides).

"I pity the BJP cadre who worked tirelessly to bring the party to power. It was being said this was a double-engine government and now a third engine of Ajit Pawar has been added. I wonder how many more engines will be added. Is this a goods train?" he alleged.

"After NCP leader Hassan Mushrif joined the state government, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seems to have forgotten the road to his house," he said, referring to the central agency's probe against the minister.

Mushrif and eight other Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs were sworn in as ministers in the Maharashtra government last month with Ajit Pawar taking oath as the deputy chief minister, thereby creating a split in the party founded by the latter's uncle Sharad Pawar.

Thackeray ridiculed the "Shasan Aplya Dari" (government at your doorstep) programme of the Eknath Shinde-led state government, saying that it was nothing but lies.

The programme is aimed at taking the government schemes to the doorstep of the common people.

"Farmers are yet to get compensation for the crop losses incurred due to unseasonal rains and now they are facing drought. A bureaucrat who conducted a survey on the status of farmers in Marathwada and gave a report that the government should provide cash compensation of Rs 25,000 each was forced to take voluntary retirement," he said.

Thackeray said when the state was reeling under drought-like conditions, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis went to Japan.

"It is good if he gets investment from Japan, but what about the projects that were to come to Maharashtra but taken to Gujarat instead. Will he bring them back?" 

(With agency inputs)