Last election for Marathi manoos: Raj Thackeray ahead of BMC polls
The upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls have taken a dramatic turn with the announcement of an alliance between the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Shiv Sena. The two parties, led by cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, respectively, have put aside their past differences to contest the elections together. This move has significant implications for the future of Mumbai and the Marathi-speaking population, as Raj Thackeray emphasized that “this is the last election for Marathi manoos.”
Raj Thackeray’s statement suggests that the MNS and Shiv Sena alliance is not just a political strategy, but a matter of survival for the Marathi-speaking community in Mumbai. The MNS chief warned that “if a mistake is made now, the battle for Mumbai will be lost forever.” This statement underscores the sense of urgency and desperation among the Marathi-speaking population, who feel that their cultural and linguistic identity is under threat.
The alliance between the MNS and Shiv Sena is seen as a response to the growing influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mumbai. The BJP has been making significant inroads in the city, and its popularity has been a cause of concern for the MNS and Shiv Sena. By joining forces, the two parties hope to counter the BJP’s influence and protect the interests of the Marathi-speaking population.
Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena chief, targeted the BJP, saying that its “Hindutva and nationalism are fake.” This statement is a clear indication that the Shiv Sena and MNS alliance will focus on the BJP’s perceived weaknesses, particularly its claims of being a champion of Hindu nationalism. The Shiv Sena and MNS will likely argue that the BJP’s brand of Hindutva is superficial and that they are the true defenders of Hindu interests in Mumbai.
The BMC polls are significant not only for Mumbai but also for the state of Maharashtra. The BMC is the richest municipal corporation in India, with an annual budget of over Rs 30,000 crore. The party that controls the BMC will have significant influence over the city’s development and governance. The MNS and Shiv Sena alliance will face stiff competition from the BJP, which is determined to expand its presence in Mumbai.
The BJP has been quietly building its base in Mumbai, and its leaders have been making frequent visits to the city to woo voters. The party’s Mumbai unit has been strengthened, and it has been reaching out to various communities, including the Marathi-speaking population. The BJP’s strategy is to project itself as a party that can deliver good governance and development, while also championing the cause of Hindu nationalism.
The MNS and Shiv Sena alliance will have to navigate these challenges and convince voters that they are the best option for Mumbai. The alliance will have to demonstrate that it can provide effective governance, improve infrastructure, and protect the interests of the Marathi-speaking population. The MNS and Shiv Sena will also have to address concerns about their own track record, particularly their history of violence and intimidation.
As the BMC polls approach, the city of Mumbai is likely to witness intense campaigning and political maneuvering. The MNS and Shiv Sena alliance will face stiff competition from the BJP, and the outcome of the election is far from certain. One thing is clear, however: the future of Mumbai and the Marathi-speaking population hangs in the balance, and the stakes are higher than ever before.
In conclusion, the alliance between the MNS and Shiv Sena is a significant development in the run-up to the BMC polls. Raj Thackeray’s statement that “this is the last election for Marathi manoos” underscores the sense of urgency and desperation among the Marathi-speaking population. The MNS and Shiv Sena will have to navigate the challenges posed by the BJP and convince voters that they are the best option for Mumbai. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the future of Mumbai and the Marathi-speaking population.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/d8b9be65-7833-4fcd-8217-a114db19062c
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