Uddhav Thackeray Compares Gen Z To Shivaji Maharaj: 'Even He Was Called A Rat By Mughals'

Published 30 July 2026 · india

Uddhav Thackeray Compares Gen Z To Shivaji Maharaj: 'Even He Was Called A Rat By Mughals' Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 13:42 IST

Uddhav Thackeray Compares Gen Z To Shivaji Maharaj: 'Even He Was Called A Rat By Mughals' Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 13:42 IST Uddhav Thackeray pointed out that Shivaji Maharaj was only around 17 years old when he captured Torna Fort and began laying the foundation of the Maratha kingdom. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray (Photo: PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray compared Generation Z to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, arguing that history has often mocked young people before recognising their contributions. Uddhav Thackeray said today’s youth were being ridiculed in much the same way Shivaji Maharaj was once dismissed as a “chuha" (rat) by the Mughals. He said those insulted as “cockroaches" belonged to Gen Z, broadly describing the generation as people between their early teens and late twenties.

Uddhav Thackeray pointed out that Shivaji Maharaj was only around 17 years old when he captured Torna Fort and began laying the foundation of the Maratha kingdom. “Wasn’t Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj just about that age when he captured Torna Fort at seventeen? Even Shivaji Maharaj was called a ‘chuha’ by the Mughals. Wasn’t Sant Dnyaneshwar also very young when he wrote the Dnyaneshwari? Both faced tremendous opposition in their own time," Uddhav Thackeray said. Drawing a parallel between Shivaji Maharaj’s early military achievements and the aspirations of today’s youth, Uddhav Thackeray said young voices should not be dismissed simply because of their age. Instead, he argued, they should be encouraged and heard. Uddhav Thackeray also praised young people for leading nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, claiming they had revived the spirit of democracy at a time when many believed it had weakened.

He credited the protests with building pressure that ultimately led to demands for the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Uddhav Thackeray also targeted the BJP over the proposed delimitation exercise. Questioning the need to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats, he argued that the government should focus on creating employment opportunities rather than expanding Parliament. “Instead of increasing the number of MPs, increase employment opportunities," he said, adding that if the current House of around 550 members struggles to provide enough speaking time, a much larger House would only worsen the problem. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Delhi, India, India First Published: July 30, 2026, 13:42 IST News india Uddhav Thackeray Compares Gen Z To Shivaji Maharaj: 'Even He Was Called A Rat By Mughals' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.