Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has hit out at the BJP over what he called its “double standards” in political and social narratives, saying the ruling party applies different labels to similar actions depending on who is involved.
In a candid interview, Thackeray remarked that when the BJP takes certain political or ideological steps, it is portrayed positively, but when Opposition parties do the same, they are targeted with negative terminology. “When BJP does something, it’s seen as Amar Prem (pure love). When we do it, suddenly it becomes Love Jihad,” he said, underlining what he described as selective outrage and narrative control.
Allegation of Narrative Bias
Thackeray argued that the BJP has mastered the art of framing public discourse to suit its political goals. According to him, alliances, outreach efforts, or social messaging are praised when undertaken by the BJP, but criticised or communalised when attempted by others.
He said this approach not only distorts democratic debate but also deepens social divisions. “The same action is judged differently based on who performs it. This is not governance; this is branding politics,” he added.
On Secularism and Personal Freedom
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also defended personal choice and social harmony, stressing that relationships and friendships should not be politicised. He warned that labelling personal or social interactions with loaded terms damages India’s pluralistic fabric.
“People should not be forced to prove their intentions again and again just because they don’t belong to the ruling party’s ideological camp,” Thackeray said.
Political Context
Thackeray’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Maharashtra, where alliances, identity politics, and ideological positioning are playing a major role ahead of upcoming elections. His comments are also seen as an attempt to push back against BJP’s narrative dominance and reclaim ideological ground for Opposition parties.
Final Take
By invoking the contrast between “Amar Prem” and “Love Jihad,” Uddhav Thackeray sought to highlight what he sees as hypocrisy in political discourse. His remarks reinforce the Opposition’s charge that the BJP controls narratives to delegitimise rivals while justifying its own actions.
