Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde’s Separate Dussehra Rallies in Maharashtra
In Mumbai, Maharashtra, two factions of the Shiv Sena are preparing for separate Dussehra rallies on Saturday. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) will hold their rally at Shivaji Park, while Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction will gather at Azad Maidan. These rallies aim to showcase their strength ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rally
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut emphasized the historical significance of their rally, which has been a tradition for over 50 years. He criticized the Eknath Shinde faction, calling them a “duplicate” Shiv Sena. Raut stated that their symbol, the bow and arrow, remains in their hearts, but their new symbol is the Mashal (flame).
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey echoed these sentiments, asserting that Uddhav Thackeray has worked for Maharashtra’s honor, while others have betrayed the state. Dubey predicted that the “duplicate” Shiv Sena would soon disappear.
Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) Rally
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) leader Sanjay Nirupam accused Uddhav Thackeray of sidelining Hindutva by allying with Congress. He claimed that the true spirit of Balasaheb Thackeray’s thoughts would be expressed at Azad Maidan, where Eknath Shinde will address the rally.
Another leader, Manisha Kayande, highlighted the expected large turnout at Azad Maidan, emphasizing Eknath Shinde’s efforts to bring Shiv Sena back to its original path.
Political Context
Uddhav Thackeray recently criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for attempting to change the constitution and creating division in the country. He reaffirmed Shiv Sena’s commitment to Hindutva, despite parting ways with the BJP.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are approaching, with the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, including Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, set to compete against the Maha Yuti Alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).
Doubts Revealed
Uddhav Thackeray -: Uddhav Thackeray is an Indian politician and the leader of a faction of the Shiv Sena party. He was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 2019 to 2022.
Eknath Shinde -: Eknath Shinde is an Indian politician who leads another faction of the Shiv Sena party. He is currently serving as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Dussehra -: Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrated in India, marking the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Maharashtra.
Shiv Sena (UBT) -: Shiv Sena (UBT) refers to the faction of the Shiv Sena party led by Uddhav Thackeray. UBT stands for Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray.
Shivaji Park -: Shivaji Park is a large public park in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a popular venue for political rallies and public gatherings.
Azad Maidan -: Azad Maidan is a sports ground and public space in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is often used for rallies, protests, and public events.
Hindutva -: Hindutva is an ideology seeking to establish the hegemony of Hindus and the Hindu way of life. It is often associated with certain political parties in India.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India. It is known for its support of Hindutva and is currently the ruling party at the national level.
Maha Vikas Aghadi -: Maha Vikas Aghadi is a political alliance in Maharashtra, consisting of the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Indian National Congress.
Maha Yuti -: Maha Yuti is another political alliance in Maharashtra, primarily consisting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena.
