Uddhav Thackeray slams BJP over India-Pakistan cricket match, calls out “Farce of patriotism”

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday lashed out at the BJP, saying India’s decision to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup has “exposed the farce of patriotism.” He argued that New Delhi should have taken a firm stand by refusing to play, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

India’s seven-wicket victory on September 14 was overshadowed by widespread criticism of the BCCI, with boycott calls trending on social media. Thackeray linked the match to India’s diplomatic credibility, claiming the world now questions whether India truly treats Pakistan as an enemy or continues to maintain ties despite labeling it a terror perpetrator.

The former Maharashtra Chief Minister also accused the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena of backing the BJP instead of taking a principled stand, remarking, “They only love their chair, not the country.”

Shifting focus to Maharashtra’s financial woes, Thackeray hit out at the Mahayuti government over its mounting debt of ₹9 lakh crore. He criticized the launch of new schemes despite the precarious fiscal condition and alleged that loans were being raised for contractors rather than genuine development. He urged the government to focus on debt reduction and demanded immediate relief measures for farmers affected by heavy rains.