Uddhav's 'Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat' video: Truth behind viral clip
By : Krishna Mishra
A video of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray saying "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat" has gone viral on social media, sparking a political controversy. The clip, widely circulated by BJP supporters, claims that Thackeray, who leads the Shiv Sena (UBT), openly praised Gujarat—seen as an attempt to counter his party’s traditional Maharashtra-centric stance. However, the full context reveals a different story.
Origins of the Video
The video is from a 2022 event where Thackeray was addressing traders in Mumbai. His full statement emphasized national and regional unity, saying:
"We believe in ‘Jai Hind’ first, then ‘Jai Maharashtra,’ and also ‘Jai Gujarat’ because we must respect all states in India."
This was part of a broader speech on cooperative federalism, not an endorsement of any political rival.
Why Is It Controversial?
Selective Editing: The viral clip is trimmed to remove Thackeray’s call for inter-state harmony, making it seem like an abrupt shift from Shiv Sena’s usual Marathi pride rhetoric.
Political Timing: The resurfacing coincides with ongoing Maharashtra-Gujarat tensions, including border disputes and economic rivalries.
BJP’s Narrative: The ruling party has used it to accuse Thackeray of hypocrisy, given Shiv Sena’s past criticism of Gujarat-centric policies.
Fact-Check Findings
No Sudden Shift: Thackeray has historically acknowledged Gujarat’s contributions, especially in trade and industry.
Old Video: The footage is from 2022, not a recent statement.
Full Speech Context: He also praised Maharashtra’s resilience, calling it "India’s backbone."
Public & Political Reactions
Shiv Sena (UBT): Dismissed the clip as "misleading propaganda," urging supporters to watch the full speech.
BJP Leaders: Mocked Thackeray, asking if this signals a "new alliance" with PM Modi’s home state.
Fact-Checkers: Alt News and others have flagged the video as "out-of-context."
Why Does It Matter?
The controversy highlights how edited clips can distort political narratives. For Thackeray, whose party thrives on Marathi asmita (pride), the video risks alienating hardline supporters. For the BJP, it’s a tool to undermine Shiv Sena’s credibility.