Last election for Marathi manoos: Raj Thackeray ahead of BMC polls
The upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls have created a buzz in the political landscape of Maharashtra, with various parties and leaders gearing up to contest the elections. In a significant development, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has announced that he and his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, have joined forces to contest the elections. This unexpected alliance has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with many speculating about the implications of this union.
Raj Thackeray, known for his fiery oratory skills and unwavering commitment to the cause of Marathi manoos (Marathi people), has sounded the alarm bell, stating that the upcoming BMC polls will be the “last election” for the Marathi community. He emphasized that Mumbai is facing a grave danger, which necessitates the coming together of like-minded individuals and parties to safeguard the interests of the city and its people. Thackeray’s statement has sparked a sense of urgency among the Marathi-speaking population, who feel that their rights and interests are being threatened by the increasing influx of outsiders in the city.
The MNS chief’s words carry significant weight, as he has always been a vocal advocate for the rights of Marathi people. His party, founded in 2006, has been a key player in Maharashtra’s politics, with a strong base in Mumbai and other urban areas. Thackeray’s decision to join forces with his cousin Uddhav, who heads the Shiv Sena (UBT), marks a significant shift in the state’s political dynamics. The Shiv Sena, a longtime ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had parted ways with the saffron party in 2019, leading to a split in the organization.
Uddhav Thackeray, who has been critical of the BJP’s policies and ideology, has targeted the party once again, dismissing its claims of being a champion of Hindutva and nationalism as “fake.” The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has consistently maintained that the BJP’s brand of nationalism is divisive and exclusionary, which has alienated many sections of society, including the Marathi-speaking population. By joining hands with Raj Thackeray, Uddhav aims to consolidate the Marathi vote bank and provide a credible alternative to the BJP and its allies.
The BJP, which has been the dominant player in Maharashtra’s politics for several years, is likely to face a tough challenge in the BMC polls. The party’s decision to go solo in the elections, without a pre-poll alliance with the Shiv Sena, has been seen as a gamble. The BJP’s strategy of relying on its organizational strength and voter base may not be enough to counter the combined might of the Thackeray cousins, who enjoy a significant following among the Marathi-speaking population.
The BMC polls, scheduled to take place in the coming months, will be a litmus test for all the major parties in the state. The elections will be a battle for control of the country’s richest municipal corporation, with a budget of over Rs 45,000 crore. The winner will not only gain control of the civic body but also have a significant say in the state’s politics.
As the campaign for the BMC polls heats up, the Thackeray cousins are expected to launch a series of rallies and public meetings to mobilize support for their alliance. Raj Thackeray’s emotional appeal to the Marathi manoos, urging them to come together to protect their rights and interests, is likely to resonate with many voters. Uddhav Thackeray’s criticism of the BJP’s ideology and policies will also find traction among those who are disillusioned with the party’s governance.
In conclusion, the upcoming BMC polls will be a watershed moment in Maharashtra’s politics, with significant implications for the state’s future. The alliance between Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray has added a new dimension to the elections, making it a battle for the soul of Mumbai and the rights of the Marathi manoos. As the campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the various parties and leaders respond to the challenge posed by the Thackeray cousins.
News source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/d8b9be65-7833-4fcd-8217-a114db19062c
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