Last election for Marathi manoos: Raj Thackeray ahead of BMC polls
As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls draw near, the political landscape of Mumbai is witnessing a significant shift. In a recent address, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray sent out a clarion call to the Marathi-speaking population, stating that the upcoming election is the “last election for Marathi manoos.” Thackeray, who has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Marathi-speaking community, emphasized that the fate of Mumbai hangs in the balance and that the community must come together to ensure its interests are protected.
Thackeray’s statement assumes significance in the context of the BMC polls, which are scheduled to take place soon. The MNS chief has joined forces with his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of the Shiv Sena, to contest the elections. This alliance is seen as a strategic move to counter the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the city. By coming together, the two Thackeray cousins aim to create a united front that can effectively challenge the BJP’s dominance in Mumbai.
Raj Thackeray’s appeal to the Marathi-speaking community is rooted in his perception that Mumbai is facing a grave danger. He believes that the city’s cultural and linguistic identity is under threat, and that the Marathi manoos must rise to the occasion to protect its interests. Thackeray’s statement is a clear indication that he views the BMC polls as a make-or-break moment for the Marathi-speaking community. “This is the last election for Marathi manoos…If a mistake is made now, the battle for Mumbai will be lost forever,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray, who has been a vocal critic of the BJP, targeted the party’s ideology, saying that its “Hindutva and nationalism are fake.” This statement is a clear indication that the Shiv Sena is seeking to differentiate itself from the BJP, which has been its ally in the past. By questioning the BJP’s commitment to Hindutva and nationalism, Uddhav Thackeray is attempting to project the Shiv Sena as a more authentic representative of these values.
The alliance between the MNS and the Shiv Sena is seen as a significant development in the run-up to the BMC polls. The two parties have a significant presence in Mumbai, and their combined strength could pose a challenge to the BJP’s dominance in the city. The BJP, which has been the ruling party in the BMC for several years, is facing a tough battle to retain its hold on the city’s civic body.
The BMC polls are expected to be a closely contested affair, with several parties, including the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), also in the fray. However, the alliance between the MNS and the Shiv Sena has added a new dimension to the election, and it remains to be seen how the voters of Mumbai will respond to this development.
As the campaign for the BMC polls gains momentum, the city is witnessing a flurry of political activity. The parties are leaving no stone unturned to woo the voters, and the election is expected to be a high-stakes affair. The outcome of the BMC polls will not only determine the fate of Mumbai but also have significant implications for the political landscape of Maharashtra.
In conclusion, the BMC polls are shaping up to be a crucial election, with the Marathi-speaking community being seen as a key factor in determining the outcome. Raj Thackeray’s appeal to the community to come together and protect its interests has added a new dimension to the election, and it remains to be seen how the voters will respond to this call. As the campaign for the BMC polls reaches its climax, one thing is clear: the fate of Mumbai hangs in the balance, and the election will have far-reaching consequences for the city and its people.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/d8b9be65-7833-4fcd-8217-a114db19062c
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