Last election for Marathi manoos: Raj Thackeray ahead of BMC polls
The upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls have been generating a lot of buzz in the political circles of Maharashtra, especially with the recent developments in the Thackeray family. In a surprising turn of events, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has joined hands with his cousin, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, to contest the elections. This unexpected alliance has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with many wondering what prompted the two cousins to put aside their differences and come together.
According to Raj Thackeray, the reason behind this alliance is the perceived danger that Mumbai is facing. In a recent statement, he warned that this is the “last election for Marathi manoos” and that if a mistake is made now, the battle for Mumbai will be lost forever. This statement has sparked a lot of debate, with many interpreting it as a call to action for the Marathi-speaking population of Mumbai to come together and assert their dominance in the city’s politics.
Raj Thackeray’s statement is not just a rallying cry for his party’s supporters, but also a reflection of the changing demographics of Mumbai. Over the years, the city has undergone significant transformations, with people from all over the country flocking to the city in search of employment and better living standards. This has led to a decline in the proportion of Marathi-speaking population in the city, which has been a cause of concern for many Marathi leaders, including Raj Thackeray.
The MNS chief has always been vocal about his support for the Marathi manoos, and his party’s agenda has been centered around promoting the interests of the Marathi-speaking population. However, his cousin Uddhav Thackeray has taken a more nuanced approach, trying to balance the interests of different communities in the city. The Shiv Sena, under Uddhav’s leadership, has been trying to shed its image as a radical Marathi nationalist party and emerge as a more inclusive and secular force in Maharashtra politics.
The alliance between the MNS and the Shiv Sena is likely to have significant implications for the BMC polls. The two parties have a significant following in Mumbai, and their combined strength could pose a challenge to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP, which has been in power in the BMC for several years, has been facing anti-incumbency and is likely to face a tough challenge from the MNS-Shiv Sena alliance.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray has targeted the BJP, accusing it of peddling “fake” Hindutva and nationalism. This statement is likely to escalate the tensions between the Shiv Sena and the BJP, which have been allies in the state government until recently. The Shiv Sena’s decision to part ways with the BJP and join hands with the MNS is seen as a strategic move to consolidate its support base and emerge as a major force in Maharashtra politics.
The BMC polls are likely to be a high-stakes battle, with all major parties in the state throwing their weight behind their candidates. The polls will not only decide the fate of Mumbai’s civic body but also have significant implications for the state’s politics. The MNS-Shiv Sena alliance has added a new dimension to the elections, and it remains to be seen how the voters will respond to this new development.
As the campaign for the BMC polls heats up, the city is likely to witness a high-decibel debate on the issues that matter most to its residents. The MNS-Shiv Sena alliance has already generated a lot of buzz, and it will be interesting to see how the other parties respond to this challenge. One thing is certain, however – the BMC polls will be a watershed moment in Mumbai’s politics, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the city and the state.
In conclusion, the upcoming BMC polls are likely to be a significant event in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The alliance between the MNS and the Shiv Sena has added a new dimension to the elections, and it remains to be seen how the voters will respond to this development. As Raj Thackeray said, this may be the “last election for Marathi manoos,” and it will be interesting to see how the Marathi-speaking population of Mumbai responds to this call to action.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/d8b9be65-7833-4fcd-8217-a114db19062c
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