Uddhav Thackeray Responds to PM Modi’s ‘For the Family’ Jibe, Asserts Unity for Nation

Mumbai, July 18, 2023: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray took a firm stand against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent jibe at the opposition’s unity meeting, without directly mentioning the PM in his speech. Thackeray asserted, “Yes, the entire country is our family, and we are fighting for it.”

Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the opposition meeting in Bengaluru, accusing them of prioritizing their family interests over the nation’s development. He stated, “Their common minimum program is to increase corruption for their family. It is their only ideology and agenda. Democracy means ‘of the people, by the people, for the people.’ But these dynastic parties have the mantra of ‘of the family, by the family, for the family.’ For them, their family is first, and the nation is nothing.”

In response, Thackeray addressed the media after the mega opposition party meeting, reassuring the public, “Don’t worry, we are here. Just one person or one party cannot be the country, all people are the country.” He emphasized unity and support for the nation, countering PM Modi’s remarks.

During the gathering, Thackeray drew a parallel with a movie, “Main Hoon Na,” to convey their message, stating, “‘Hum Hain Na’ (we are here). There is no need to worry.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who led the meeting, announced the alliance of opposition parties as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and revealed plans to set up a secretariat in Delhi for poll campaign management. An 11-member coordination committee was also introduced, with further details to be discussed in the next meeting to be held in Mumbai.

The opposition’s gathering seeks to foster unity and collaboration for the nation’s development, addressing the concerns raised by PM Modi’s remarks on family-oriented politics.