Raj Thackeray's big statement after MNS's support to Eknath Shinde, 'If I could...':On the occasion of the birth centenary of Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray, MNS chief Raj Thackeray said that today principles are abandoned just like that and politics has become completely opportunistic

News Topical, Digital Desk : Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray said on Friday (January 23) that even if he adopts a slightly flexible stance in today's radically changed politics, it will never be for personal gain or self-interest. His statement comes two days after five councillors from his party extended support to the Eknath Shinde -led Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) in Thane district.

The move is surprising, as the MNS contested the January 15 civic elections in alliance with the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) in several municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the KDMC and Mumbai. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party publicly expressed disappointment over MNS councillors defecting to the rival party.

Loyalties are easily sold today – Raj Thackeray

Raj Thackeray, on the occasion of the birth centenary of Shiv Sena founder and his uncle, the late Bal Thackeray, wrote on X, "Today, loyalties are easily sold. Principles are simply abandoned, and politics has become completely opportunistic. Success in today's politics is measured not by the issues raised or the vigor with which regional and linguistic identities are kept alive, but by the success achieved in electoral politics and the tactics used to get there."

Balasaheb did not crave power – Raj Thackeray

The MNS president said, "In Balasaheb's time, there was no compromise with such expectations. He himself had no lust for power. Even when Balasaheb had to adopt a flexible approach in politics, his love for the Marathi people did not diminish in the slightest; on the contrary, it became even stronger. These are the same values that have been instilled in us." He said, "I promise once again today that even if I adopt a slightly flexible approach in this completely transformed politics, it will never be for my personal gain or self-interest."

'The love for Balasaheb and Marathi will not diminish'

Raj Thackeray further said that seeing Balasaheb's unwavering love for the Marathi language, the Marathi region, and the Marathi people, thousands and lakhs of people joined him, and he too is one of them. He said, "Therefore, the faith and love that I and my 'Maharashtra soldiers' have for these two words - 'Balasaheb' and 'Marathi' - will not diminish even a bit."