Both Shiv Sena factions will hold Dussehra rallies together in Mumbai today and will try to show their strength before the municipal elections. On the one hand, Uddhav Thackeray -led Shiv Sena (UBT) will organize its annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar West at 5 pm. The event will continue the party’s tradition of organizing rallies at Shivaji Park, which began in 1966 during the time of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Where will Shiv Sena Shinde’s rally be held?
On the other hand, Eknath Shinde -led faction will organize its rally at the Nesco Exhibition Center in Goregaon at 6 pm. The faction first wanted to use the Azad Maidan, but the site was changed after waterlogging due to heavy rains. Shinde has said that the event will also include an appeal for donations to farmers and flood affected families.
The rallies of both Shiv Sena factions are being held as the last major rally before the upcoming local body elections, especially the BMC elections. In both rallies, both parties can make extensive appeals for Marathi Asmita, flood relief and development, as well as sharp criticism of each other.
Thackeray accused Fadnavis government
Prior to the rally, Uddhav Thackeray said in a press conference that his speech would be focused on dealing with issues like inflation, unemployment and flood relief by the government. Thackeray attacked the ruling Grand Alliance government and accused him of ignoring people’s suffering on major fronts such as unemployment, inflation and crisis in rural areas. He said, “This Dussehra rally will not only be a cultural program, but the voice of the public.”
Raj Thackeray will also support?
He insisted that the rally would confirm the claim of his group on the legacy of Shiv Sena. Party sources said that Uddhav Thackeray can use this forum to further clarify his stance on a possible alliance with MNS chief Raj Thackeray, although no formal announcement is expected at the rally. His party has indicated that Raj Thackeray may attend the rally to be held in Shivaji Park.
Sanjay Raut said that the rally will be historic
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, “This rally will be historic. Only smoke will come out from the second party meeting.” Questioning Shinde’s attempt to grab Bal Thackeray’s legacy, he said that Bal Thackeray “does not understand the late leader.”
Shinde said this …
Earlier addressing his supporters, Shinde said, “Keeping the traditional grandeur of the Dussehra rally, we have also added an important aspect of social commitment this year. The purpose of this rally is not only to demonstrate political power, but also to raise relief money for farmers and flood victims. The rally will be dedicated to farmers.”
Eknath Shinde has requested the workers of flood affected areas to stay in their districts instead of coming to Mumbai for this event and cooperate in relief work. The Mumbai Police has made extensive security arrangements. More than 19,000 policemen, including constables, officers and special units, will be deployed across the city to control the movement of the crowd, make traffic changes and maintain law and order.
In view of the possibility of a large number of people from all over Maharashtra reaching Mumbai, the authorities have planned to close roads and impose traffic restrictions around Shivaji Park, Goregaon and other major access points.