Last election for Marathi manoos: Raj Thackeray ahead of BMC polls
As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls approach, the political landscape of Mumbai is witnessing a significant shift. In a recent statement, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has sounded the alarm, stating that the upcoming election is the “last election for Marathi manoos.” Thackeray’s assertion comes amidst his newfound alliance with his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of the Shiv Sena. The two leaders, who have often been at odds in the past, have put aside their differences to contest the BMC polls together.
According to Raj Thackeray, the decision to join forces with his cousin was necessitated by the fact that “Mumbai is facing danger.” He emphasized that the city’s very identity is under threat, and that it is imperative for the Marathi community to come together to protect its interests. Thackeray’s words are laced with a sense of urgency, as he warned that “if a mistake is made now, the battle for Mumbai will be lost forever.” This statement suggests that the MNS chief believes the upcoming election is a make-or-break moment for the Marathi community in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray has been vocal in his criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been a dominant force in Mumbai’s politics for several years. The Shiv Sena chief has accused the BJP of peddling “fake” Hindutva and nationalism. This comment is likely a reference to the BJP’s attempts to project itself as a champion of Hindu interests, while also promoting a nationalist agenda. Uddhav Thackeray’s statement implies that the BJP’s ideology is not genuine, but rather a tool to garner votes and maintain power.
The alliance between the MNS and the Shiv Sena is significant, as it marks a rare instance of cooperation between the two parties. The Thackeray cousins have historically been rivals, with their parties often competing for the same voter base. However, the current political climate in Mumbai appears to have necessitated a rethink of their strategy. By joining forces, the MNS and the Shiv Sena hope to present a united front against the BJP, which has been the dominant party in the BMC for several years.
The BMC polls are scheduled to take place in the coming months, and the campaign is already heating up. The BJP, which has been in power in the BMC for several years, is facing a strong challenge from the MNS-Shiv Sena alliance. The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are also expected to contest the polls, although their chances of winning are considered slim.
The election is likely to be a closely contested one, with several factors at play. The MNS-Shiv Sena alliance will be hoping to capitalize on the Marathi vote, which has traditionally been a strong base for both parties. The BJP, on the other hand, will be relying on its organizational strength and its ability to project itself as a party that can deliver on its promises.
As the campaign gains momentum, it will be interesting to see how the various parties position themselves. The MNS-Shiv Sena alliance will be hoping to project itself as a champion of Marathi interests, while the BJP will be seeking to promote its development agenda. The Congress and the NCP, meanwhile, will be trying to regain lost ground in the city.
In conclusion, the upcoming BMC polls are shaping up to be a crucial election for the city of Mumbai. The MNS-Shiv Sena alliance has added a new dimension to the campaign, and it will be interesting to see how the various parties fare. As Raj Thackeray has emphasized, the election is a make-or-break moment for the Marathi community in Mumbai. The city’s voters will be watching the campaign closely, and their decision will ultimately determine the course of Mumbai’s future.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/d8b9be65-7833-4fcd-8217-a114db19062c
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