Shiv Sena chief Udhav Thackeray in state of utter disbelief after landslide NDA triumph in Maharashtra

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Nov 23 called the Maharashtra assembly poll results completely unexpected and incomprehensible, and even questioned the authenticity of results that led to a landslide victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state.

Thackeray said he could not believe Maharashtra, which listened to him like head of family during the Covid pandemic would behave this way with him.

“There is certainly something fishy. The results reflect that there was a tsunami rather than a wave. But I don't understand what they (BJP-led Mahayuti alliance) did to get this mandate," he told reporters.

“I cannot believe Maharashtra will behave this way with me,” he said while expressing disappointment and disbelief over Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA's) poor performance in the Assembly elections.

Thackeray thanked the people of Maharashtra for their support but questioned the sheer scale of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance triumph.

The MVA comprising Sena (UBT), Congress, and Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) suffered a crushing blow, with its candidates winning or leading in about 45 seats in 288 assembly segment contests.

While the final results are still awaited, the Mahayuti alliance is set to achieve a sweeping victory securing a majority win of over 200 seats.

Thackeray referred to the Opposition's performance in the Lok Sabha polls, wherein the MVA delivered a massive blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party, but questioned how things could change so drastically in four months.

Highlighting the challenges faced by Maharashtra, Thackeray pointed to pressing issues like farmers' distress and unemployment, expressing doubt if these serious matters would be addressed by granting such an electoral win to the NDA.

"The farmers are suffering, and there is joblessness. What have they done to get this kind of tsunami? I don’t think slogans like Batenge Katenge worked," he said, referring to the BJP's campaign narrative.

"I congratulate them for their win and I hope that the Ladki Bahin yojana gets implemented properly and doesn't become an election jumla. I hope farmers' debts are paid off, and they fulfill all the promises they made," he added.

Thackeray questioned the context of the election and said the polls were held before the Supreme Court decided on the Shiv Sena symbol and name dispute.

"They had the symbol and name, and yet, the election was conducted. We need to understand how this outcome has occurred," he said.

Addressing reports suggesting Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to hold the Chief Minister's chair, Thackeray said that a BJP face will be made the chief minister owing to the party's dominant performance in the state.