Last election for Marathi manoos: Raj Thackeray ahead of BMC polls
As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls approach, the city is witnessing a significant shift in the political landscape. In a surprising turn of events, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has joined forces with his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray, to contest the elections. The reason behind this unexpected alliance, according to Raj Thackeray, is that “Mumbai is facing danger.” In a recent address, he emphasized the importance of this election, stating, “This is the last election for Marathi manoos…If a mistake is made now, the battle for Mumbai will be lost forever.”
The MNS chief’s words reflect the growing concern among the Marathi-speaking population in Mumbai about their diminishing influence in the city’s politics. The BMC, being the richest municipal corporation in India, holds significant power and control over the city’s development and governance. The upcoming elections, therefore, are crucial in determining the fate of Mumbai and its inhabitants.
Raj Thackeray’s statement highlights the sense of urgency and desperation among the Marathi manoos, who feel that their interests are being overlooked and their rights are being threatened. The MNS chief’s call to action is a clear indication that this election is not just about winning or losing, but about the very existence and identity of the Marathi-speaking community in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena chief, has taken a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of being fake in their claims of promoting Hindutva and nationalism. This attack on the BJP is significant, as it reflects the growing rift between the two former allies. The Shiv Sena and BJP have been at odds since the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, and the BMC polls are likely to witness a intense battle between the two parties.
The BJP, which has been in power in the BMC for several years, is facing a tough challenge from the MNS-Shiv Sena alliance. The saffron party’s efforts to expand its base in Mumbai have been met with resistance from the Marathi manoos, who feel that the BJP is more concerned with promoting the interests of outsiders than those of the native population.
The MNS-Shiv Sena alliance is likely to give the BJP a run for its money in the BMC polls. The two parties have a significant presence in Mumbai, and their combined strength could pose a significant challenge to the BJP’s dominance. However, it remains to be seen whether the alliance will be able to translate its popularity into votes.
The BMC polls are also likely to witness a fierce battle between the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which are trying to regain their lost ground in the city. The two parties have been struggling to make a comeback in Mumbai, and the BMC polls provide them with an opportunity to revive their fortunes.
As the election campaign gains momentum, the city is witnessing a flurry of activity, with parties and candidates trying to woo voters with promises and slogans. The MNS-Shiv Sena alliance is banking on the Marathi manoos card, while the BJP is trying to promote its development agenda. The Congress and NCP are focusing on the failures of the BJP-led government in the BMC.
The outcome of the BMC polls will have significant implications for the city and its inhabitants. The election will determine the course of Mumbai’s development, governance, and identity. As Raj Thackeray said, “This is the last election for Marathi manoos…If a mistake is made now, the battle for Mumbai will be lost forever.” The stakes are high, and the city is waiting with bated breath to see which party will emerge victorious.
In conclusion, the BMC polls are a crucial election that will determine the fate of Mumbai and its inhabitants. The MNS-Shiv Sena alliance is a significant development that could pose a challenge to the BJP’s dominance. The election campaign is likely to be intense, with parties and candidates trying to woo voters with promises and slogans. As the city waits for the outcome of the election, one thing is clear: the BMC polls will be a defining moment in the history of Mumbai.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/d8b9be65-7833-4fcd-8217-a114db19062c
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