Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday signaled his readiness to step down from the party's top post if workers believed someone else could lead the organisation more effectively. Speaking at the party’s Foundation Day event, Thackeray stressed that he was not attached to any position and would willingly hand over responsibility if the cadre felt he was no longer the right person for the role.

Despite the offer, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister made it clear that he would continue fighting for the principles and values he believes the party represents. He said setbacks and defections would not weaken the resolve of the organisation.

Addressing supporters, Thackeray acknowledged the recent rebellion within the party and expressed regret to voters who had backed Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates only to see several elected representatives distance themselves from the leadership. His remarks came days after a significant section of the party’s Lok Sabha MPs broke ranks, deepening the crisis within the organisation.

Taking aim at leaders who left the party, Thackeray questioned claims that he was inaccessible to party workers and colleagues. He argued that many of those now criticising him had built their political careers under the Shiv Sena banner and had benefited from the party's support over the years.

He also rejected speculation about a possible merger with the Congress, stating that political alliances should not be mistaken for organisational integration. Drawing a comparison with the party’s long association with the BJP, he pointed out that despite decades of partnership, Shiv Sena never merged with its former ally.

At the same time, Thackeray defended cooperation with the Congress and accused the BJP of straying from the ideological path it once claimed to represent.

Meanwhile, at a separate Foundation Day gathering, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde launched a sharp critique of Thackeray. He accused the Uddhav-led faction of abandoning the ideals of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray by aligning with parties it had historically opposed.

Shinde suggested that recent political developments were only the beginning and hinted at further changes in the state's political landscape. He maintained that his faction was the true inheritor of Balasaheb Thackeray’s vision and claimed it had fulfilled many of the founder’s aspirations.

In a series of pointed remarks, Shinde portrayed his camp as strong and decisive while dismissing criticism from rivals. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and asserted that the ruling Mahayuti alliance remained united despite attempts to portray divisions within it.

Shinde further rejected rumours of differences between himself and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, insisting that the alliance partners continue to work closely together.

The exchange of remarks highlights the widening political divide between the two Shiv Sena factions as Maharashtra's political battle intensifies following the latest round of defections.