Uddhav Thackeray apologises to voters as Amit Shah denounces Shiv Sena split in Maharashtra

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray addressed a rally in Mumbai's Bhandaup area, apologising to voters for having given election tickets to “traitors” and accusing the BJP of trying to dismantle his party. He vowed to seek forgiveness wherever he feels betrayed and criticised the party split that followed the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, which was recognised by the Election Commission.

Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at a ceremony in Kolhapur to launch a ₹1,500‑crore Ambabai temple corridor project, warned that “the country is not a dharamshala, only those born in India will live here.” He attacked the Uddhav‑led Shiv Sena and the Congress, asserting that only the Shinde faction now represents the legitimate Shiv Sena.

Both leaders’ statements underscore escalating political tensions in Maharashtra ahead of upcoming elections, with national parties intervening in the state’s intra‑party rivalry.