Uddhav Compares Gen Z Protesters to Shivaji

• Uddhav Thackeray likens Gen Z protesters to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Says Shivaji was called a “rat” by the Mughals, just as protesters were dubbed “cockroaches”.
• Claims Balasaheb Thackeray would have been labelled “anti-Hindu” today.
• Questions BJP over alleged use of religion for political gain.

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 30th July: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday compared the present generation of student protesters with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, saying both had been subjected to derogatory labels while standing up against the establishment.

Speaking at the launch of a book in Mumbai, Thackeray referred to the Cockroach Janta Party, led by Abhijeet Dipke, and said the young protesters who were called “cockroaches” belonged to the same age group in which Shivaji Maharaj captured the Torna Fort.

Thackeray said Shivaji Maharaj was referred to as a “chuha” (rat) by the Mughals and noted that Sant Dnyaneshwar also faced opposition despite his young age when he authored the Dnyaneshwari.

Drawing a parallel between historical figures and the present generation, Thackeray said the youth had shown courage in the face of criticism and resistance.

Referring to his father, Balasaheb Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed that if he were alive today, the current dispensation would have labelled him “anti-Hindu.”

He also reiterated Balasaheb Thackeray’s view that “humanity is religion” and questioned those who, according to him, use religion for political purposes.

Targeting the BJP, Uddhav Thackeray asked whether those who came to power in the name of Lord Ram should feel ashamed over what he alleged was the “loot” of temples associated with the deity.

The remarks come days after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following protests over the examination paper leak issue, in which the Cockroach Janta Party had played a prominent role.