None of the rebel Lok Sabha MPs of the Shiv Sena (UBT) were present at any of the event.
Addressing his party’s event at the Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion, Thackeray asserted he had not lost his resolve to fight despite challenges and attacks.
In his first comments on the impending split in his party for the second time in four years, Thackeray said he has been leading the outfit for over a decade and given the persistent attacks on him, he was ready to quit the top Shiv Sena (UBT) post.
“I would be happy if someone from the party ranks becomes the next Shiv Sena president, but I will not let it pass on in the hands of thieves,” an emotional Thackeray told his supporters.
He insisted he wasn’t hungry for leadership position and was ready to relinquish the top post, but added the party shouldn’t go into the hands of “traitors”.
Thackeray said for the last 12 to 13 years he has been carrying the responsibility of leading the party and has faced numerous challenges and personal attacks.
“If the allegations being levelled against me are true, then I am ready to step down.
Thackeray said he hasn’t wavered and remains steadfast to face all challenges.
“But I don’t want even a single Shiv Sainik pointing fingers at me that’s I resigned as chief minister (in 2022) and didn’t continue as MLC (in 2026),” he said.
The former CM said Shiv Sena (UBT) workers were not disheartened by the latest developments but were instead fired up, seeking to downplay the rebellion in the party’s Lok Sabha unit.
Defying a whip, six of the nine Lok Sabha MPs of the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi.
