Kathmandu— Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for meeting with parliamentarians who defected from his faction to join Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. The remarks come as the Supreme Court of India prepares for crucial upcoming hearings regarding the leadership and disqualification of the party, a legal battle that has persisted for four years.

Allegations Of Political Betrayal

During a press conference, Thackeray expressed deep indignation regarding the Prime Minister's recent engagement with lawmakers who switched sides. He specifically targeted reported assurances given to the defectors, questioning the implications of such backing from the highest office in the country.

"Do not fear; I am with you," Thackeray said, quoting the reported message given to the defectors. He questioned whether this sentiment was intended for the administration or for anyone else in the party who might consider a similar split.

Judicial Implications And Pressure

The political confrontation occurs as the Supreme Court's hearings on the Shiv Sena split appear to be reaching a continuous final stage. Thackeray expressed suspicion that the Prime Minister's meeting with the Shinde faction might be an attempt to influence the judicial process.

"It should not be impacted; that much we believe in the judiciary and CJI, but we have a doubt: is it an attempt to pressure the Supreme Court by showing that I am with traitors," Thackeray declared.

Governance And Priorities

Thackeray also drew a sharp contrast between the Prime Minister's political outreach and his response to civic grievances. He claimed that while the Prime Minister met with the defectors, he had no time for Gen Z protesters who were demonstrating at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

He argued that the Prime Minister's actions set a dangerous precedent by publicly backing defectors, which he believes rewards political betrayal and encourages future opportunistic splits within political parties.

The Ongoing Legal Battle

The dispute stems from the 2022 split of the Shiv Sena into two factions, led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. The legal battle has centered on party recognition and the use of the party's name and iconic bow and arrow symbol.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recently raised questions regarding whether political parties must adhere to democratic norms, noting that the party's constitution had evolved into what was described as "virtually a one-person structure."

Arguments in the Supreme Court case are scheduled to continue on August 11.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.