Last election for Marathi manoos: Raj Thackeray ahead of BMC polls
The upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls have sparked a sense of urgency among the city’s political leaders, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray recently stating that this election will be the last one for the “Marathi manoos” (Marathi people). Thackeray, who has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Marathi-speaking population in Mumbai, emphasized the importance of this election, warning that if the community makes a mistake, they will lose the battle for Mumbai forever.
Thackeray’s comment comes at a time when his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of the Shiv Sena, has also been making headlines with his criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Uddhav Thackeray has accused the BJP of having “fake” Hindutva and nationalism, sparking a war of words between the two parties. The Thackeray cousins, who were once allies, had a falling out in the past, but it seems they have now put their differences aside to contest the BMC polls together.
The MNS and Shiv Sena alliance is seen as a significant development in the run-up to the BMC polls, which are scheduled to take place soon. The two parties have a significant presence in Mumbai, and their combined strength could pose a challenge to the ruling BJP. The BJP, which has been in power in the BMC for several years, is facing anti-incumbency and is likely to face a tough battle to retain its hold on the city’s municipal corporation.
Raj Thackeray’s comment about this being the last election for the Marathi manoos has sparked a debate about the future of the community in Mumbai. The Marathi-speaking population has long been the dominant community in the city, but in recent years, they have been facing increasing competition from other communities, particularly from the north Indian population. The influx of migrants from other parts of the country has changed the demographic profile of the city, and the Marathi manoos is feeling threatened.
The MNS, which was founded by Raj Thackeray in 2006, has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Marathi-speaking population. The party has been critical of the influx of migrants from other parts of the country, which it claims is taking away jobs and opportunities from the local population. The party’s stance on the issue has resonated with many Marathi-speaking people in the city, who feel that their interests are being neglected by the ruling parties.
Uddhav Thackeray’s criticism of the BJP is also significant, as it marks a departure from the Shiv Sena’s traditional stance of being a Hindutva party. The Shiv Sena, which was founded by Bal Thackeray, Uddhav’s father, has long been associated with the Hindutva ideology, but Uddhav’s comments suggest that the party is now willing to take a more nuanced stance on the issue. The BJP, which has been trying to project itself as the sole guardian of Hindutva, is likely to face a challenge from the Shiv Sena and MNS alliance, which is seeking to reclaim the Hindutva space.
The BMC polls are expected to be a closely contested affair, with several parties, including the BJP, Shiv Sena, MNS, and Congress, vying for control of the city’s municipal corporation. The election is seen as a litmus test for the parties, and the outcome will have significant implications for the future of Mumbai. The city, which is the financial capital of India, is facing several challenges, including traffic congestion, pollution, and a shortage of housing and infrastructure.
As the city prepares to go to the polls, the voters are likely to be bombarded with promises and slogans from the various parties. However, the real challenge for the parties will be to deliver on their promises and provide a better quality of life for the citizens of Mumbai. The city, which is home to people from all over the country, needs a government that can provide effective governance and address the pressing issues facing the city.
In conclusion, the upcoming BMC polls are likely to be a significant event in the city’s political landscape. The alliance between the MNS and Shiv Sena, and the criticism of the BJP by Uddhav Thackeray, have added a new dimension to the election. As Raj Thackeray said, this may be the last election for the Marathi manoos, and the community will be watching the outcome closely. The parties will need to deliver on their promises and provide a better future for the city, or risk facing the wrath of the voters.
News source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/d8b9be65-7833-4fcd-8217-a114db19062c
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