Thackeray Cousins Accuse BJP of Plot to Separate Mumbai from Maharashtra
MUMBAI: In their first major rally for the BMC polls, held at the historic Shivaji Park ground where the Shiv Sena was founded, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, launched a scathing attack on the BJP. The cousins accused the ruling party of attempting to remove Mumbai from Maharashtra and divide Marathi people, setting the stage for a heated electoral battle.
The rally, which drew a large crowd, saw the Thackeray cousins emphasizing their unity and commitment to protecting Mumbai and Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray, in his address, highlighted the past achievements of his party when in power in the BMC. He claimed that during their tenure, they had created deposits worth Rs 3 lakh, while the BJP had allegedly orchestrated a scam worth Rs 3 lakh crore. He also pointed out that most of the city's projects used cement from the Adani group, hinting at a cozy relationship between the BJP and the corporate giant.
Raj Thackeray, known for his fiery speeches, was equally critical of the BJP. He alleged that the BJP's long-term game plan was to join Mumbai to Gujarat. “The Vadhavan port is being developed. BJP wants to take control of Palghar and join Mumbai to Gujarat. That is their long-term plan,” he asserted. Raj further alleged that the BJP’s control over municipal corporations would enable them to manage land transactions more easily, thereby giving more land to the Adani group. He pointed out the significant increase in projects awarded to the Adani group both at the national and state levels from 2014 to 2024, questioning the favoritism shown to a single corporate entity.
The issue of unopposed elections to municipal corporations was another major point of contention. Raj Thackeray criticized the BJP for taking away the right to vote, stating, “As many as 66 elections are unopposed. BJP is taking away your right to vote.” He also accused the BJP of trying to divide Marathi people in Mumbai and push them out of the city. “This is the last election for Marathi people. If you miss this opportunity, who will you go to?” he warned.
Uddhav Thackeray also addressed the historical context, reminding the audience of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, which saved Mumbai from being given to Gujarat. He pointed out that the Jan Sangh, the precursor to the BJP, was not involved in this movement, while patriotic Muslims, like Shahir Amar Shaikh, played a crucial role. Uddhav challenged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to conduct a poll campaign without bringing in a communal divide. “If he can conduct one election without bringing in Hindu-Muslim issues, I am willing to give him Rs 1 lakh,” he said.
The rally also saw Uddhav questioning the BJP’s electoral alliances with the MIM in Akot and the Congress, drawing a stark contrast between their alliances and those of the Shiv Sena (UBT). “When you do it, it is ‘Amar Prem’, and when we do it, it is ‘Love Jihad’?” he rhetorically asked, highlighting the double standards in political discourse.
As the BMC polls approach, the Thackeray cousins are leaving no stone unturned to mobilize their base and counter the BJP’s narrative. The rally at Shivaji Park is a clear indication of the intense political battle that lies ahead in Mumbai.
