Former Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday addressed the traditional Dussehra rally of his party at the iconic Shivaji Park in Mumbai's Dadar and launched a fierce attack against the ruling NDA government in the state as well as at the Centre.
This year's Dussehra rally held significant importance for the Uddhav Sena because the party has lost both the "Shiv Sena" name and the "bow and arrow" election symbol. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially designated Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction as the "real" Shiv Sena and has assigned them the party name and election symbol.
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In his address, Uddhav Thackeray initially touched the issue of Maratha reservation agitation and said, "I want to start by thanking Jarange Patil. He continued the Maratha agitation very well, and he has also brought the Dhangar community together."
Thackeray's speech also delved into the distressing topic of the lathi charge on Maratha protesters in Jalna. He conveyed his immediate response to the situation, visiting those who were injured, including a woman who had suffered during the lathi charge. With a critical tone, he slammed the government for the use of excessive force, questioning, "Who was Jalna's General Dyer who gave the order for lathicharge?"
The issue of Maratha reservation was a central focus in Thackeray's speech, and he emphasised that a resolution could only be achieved in the Lok Sabha. He said that he had hoped a crucial step would be taken during the special session recently convened.
Thackeray didn't hold back when addressing the BJP, accusing them of sowing division among the people to divert attention from pressing issues such as inflation and unemployment.
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"I repeatedly emphasise that the BJP never had any connection with the struggle for independence, nor with the Marathwada Mukti Sangram. They weren't involved in the United Maharashtra Movement; instead, they arrived with the United Maharashtra Committee and were the first to desert us,"Uddhav Thackeray said.
He pointed out how the Jan Sangh entered the Janata Party, then later aligned with the Shiv Sena, the Akali Dal, and even sometimes with Nitish Kumar. Wherever they go, they cause destruction. "Therefore, Manoj Jarange must be cautious," Uddhav Thackeray warned.
Thackeray's 'Ravana' comparison with Shinde faction
"Ravana was a devotee of Lord Shiva, but he had to face defeat at the hands of Lord Rama. He had to be vanquished because he had, in his arrogance, committed wrongful deeds. Just as Hanuman set Lanka, made of gold, on fire, the fiery solution to your arrogance is also within my reach," the Shiv Sena UBT chief said.
In veiled dig at BJP over their 'hooliganism' today, Thackeray said, "If our people are troubled without reason today, and if our government comes into power later, then you will also face the same consequences."
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"The Modi government needs to go," Uddhav Thackeray announced. He also said that there need not be an unethical government both at state and centre.
Hitting out at Centre over the probe in various Mumbai projects during his government, Uddhav Thackeray said, "If you scrutinise Mumbai, you should also probe the PM Cares Fund and conduct inquiries from Kashmir to Kanyakumari."
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"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had looted Surat. In return, Mumbai and Maharashtra are being plundered," Thackeray said in a jibe at current MahaYuti government in the state.
"Efforts to disrupt Mumbai's progress are in motion. Instead of the Municipal Corporation, the NITI Aayog is now responsible for Mumbai's development," Thackeray said.
Thackeray accused the government of making efforts to hand over Mumbai to builders.
Uddhav Thackeray criticised Adani and the BJP over Dharavi redevelopment project. He alleged that they are attempting to squeeze Dharavi. He announced plans for a meeting in Dharavi and criticised the BJP for its actions there.
"In the Dharavi development, the Adani Group will be granted a 150 crore FSI, which will apply to South Mumbai. I ask, who will reap the benefits? I won't allow for the Vikas of your friend. Every Dharavi resident should have a home, local businesses should get shops, the Girni Kamgars deserve homes. It's disappointing that the government has refused to do this," Uddhav Thackeray said.
The significance of Dussehra rally
The Dussehra rally has remained a cornerstone in the Shiv Sena's calendar since its inception in 1966. Traditionally, the Shivaji Park ground, referred to as Shivtirth by the party, has been the steadfast venue for this event over the years with the party founder Bal Thacekray addressing his Sainiks about his views and party's strategy.
After Bal Thackeray's demise, his son and predecessor Uddhav Thackeray continued the tradition.
However, exceptions occurred in 2020, when a virtual rally was organised due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and in 2021, when it took place at Shanmukhanand Hall in Kings Circle.
Following the split in the Uddhav-led Shiv Sena in June 2022, orchestrated by Shinde, both party factions conducted separate Dussehra rallies last year as well as this year.
This year, while the Uddhav faction held its rally at the Shivaji Park, the Shinde faction conducted its rally at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai.
The Dussehra rallies this year carry a distinct importance for both factions as they mark the final such gatherings before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year. Uddhav and CM Shinde, the key speakers at these rallies, are expected to kickstart the Lok Sabha election campaigns and provide guidance to the party members regarding their joint rallies. Sena (UBT) will be hosting joint rallies with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and the Congress, while Shinde Sena is likely to collaborate with the NCP faction under Ajit Pawar and the BJP.
