Raj Thackeray Urges MNS Corporators to Challenge Money Power After Civic Poll Setback
MUMBAI: Striking a defiant note in the aftermath of the high-stakes civic elections, MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Friday acknowledged the party's below-expectation performance but urged his newly elected corporators to turn municipal houses into battlegrounds against what he described as the 'rule of money power' and policies detrimental to Marathi interests.
Addressing party workers and supporters, Thackeray congratulated elected corporators of both the MNS and Shiv Sena, underlining that the elections were fought in adverse circumstances. 'This election was not easy. It was a battle between the power of wealth and power, and it was directed against the Shiv Sena,' he said, crediting grassroots workers for holding their ground despite the odds.
While conceding that the MNS did not secure the kind of mandate it had hoped for, Thackeray made it clear that electoral setbacks would not blunt the party's political edge. 'We are not the kind to get discouraged. Our elected corporators will bury the rulers there,' he said, adding, 'if they see anything happening against the Marathi people, they will definitely bring those rulers to book.'
Political observers see Thackeray's remarks as a bid to reposition the MNS as a combative force within civic governance rather than merely a player measured by seat tallies. The MNS, known for its strong advocacy of Marathi interests, aims to maintain its influence through active participation in municipal affairs, despite the recent electoral setback.
The party's strategy is to leverage the presence of its corporators in municipal councils to challenge and scrutinize policies that they believe are harmful to the Marathi community. Thackeray's call for a more assertive role in municipal governance reflects the party's commitment to its core electorate and its broader political agenda.
The MNS has historically been a vocal advocate for the rights and interests of Marathi people in Maharashtra, often taking strong stances on issues such as employment, housing, and cultural preservation. Thackeray's message is likely to resonate with the party's base, who are looking for a strong and consistent voice in local governance.
Despite the challenges, the MNS remains a significant political force in Maharashtra, and Thackeray's leadership is expected to guide the party through the next phase of its political journey. The coming months will be crucial as the party works to rebuild and reassert its influence in the state's political landscape.
