Uddhav Thackeray’s Final Rally: A Fiery Critique of Mahayuti Ahead of Maharashtra Elections
In a passionate and high-stakes address on Sunday evening, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray delivered a scathing critique of the ruling Mahayuti alliance during his final rally before the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Accompanied by leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Thackeray expressed confidence in the coalition’s return to power while taking aim at the government’s policies and alliances.
Pledge for Free Education
Speaking to a crowd of supporters at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Thackeray promised transformative policies for Maharashtra’s youth.
“Many children have to drop out of school due to financial constraints, but when we come to power, we will ensure free education for all boys and girls born in Maharashtra,” he declared.
Criticism of Mahayuti Policies
Thackeray accused the Mahayuti government of prioritizing corporate interests over the welfare of the state’s citizens:
- Builder-Oriented Development:
- “Their plan to boost GDP involves giving all of Mumbai to builders,” he alleged, pointing out agreements like the World Economic Forum-MMRDA MoU, which he claimed would diminish the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) authority.
- Land Allocations:
- Thackeray accused the government of allocating large tracts of land in Kolhapur, Chandrapur, and Palghar to the Adani Group, urging voters to recognize the seriousness of this issue.
Targeting BJP and Dakshata Pathaks
Thackeray dismissed BJP leader Pankaja Munde’s boast about the party’s 90,000 election booths in Maharashtra, alleging that BJP had deployed workers from Gujarat instead of relying on local cadre.
“Why doesn’t the BJP trust its own workers in Maharashtra?” he questioned, raising concerns about the expenditure on these Dakshata Pathaks.
Clarification to the Gujarati Community
While Thackeray acknowledged the contributions of the Gujarati community, he accused Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah of sowing discord between Maharashtra and Gujarat:
“Gujarati people should ask them why they are doing this. Our government was toppled because we didn’t let them loot Maharashtra,” he asserted, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding Maharashtra’s interests.
Personal Attacks and Slogans
Thackeray took direct aim at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, challenging him to campaign without invoking Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy:
“If you have guts, stop using Balasaheb’s picture. Use your father’s picture and fight the elections.”
He also criticized slogans used by the Mahayuti alliance, including “Batenge toh Katenge” and “Ek hai toh safe hai,” questioning the divisive undertones of such rhetoric.
Reflecting on Leadership and Rahul Gandhi’s Support
Thackeray reflected on his tenure during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanking Maharashtra’s citizens for their resilience and support. He also defended Rahul Gandhi, highlighting the Congress leader’s tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray on social media in response to BJP’s allegations.
As the campaign heads to a close, Thackeray’s fiery address has set the stage for a heated contest between the MVA and Mahayuti, with both sides vying for Maharashtra’s future.
