Thackeray’s Takedown: Critique Of Government’s Handling Of Mumbai’s Flooding

Mumbai: Mumbai experienced severe flooding on Wednesday due to heavy rainfall across Maharashtra, leading to significant disruptions for pedestrians, bus, and rickshaw drivers in many low-lying areas. In response to the crisis, Aaditya Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and president of Yuva Sena, took to his YouTube channel on Thursday to question the effectiveness of the Mahayuti government.

Thackeray expressed concern over the state of Mumbai, stating, “Everyone has witnessed the chaos in Maharashtra and Mumbai during yesterday’s rain. The Western Express Highway was completely inundated. If something happens in Mumbai, where was the guardian minister who first went to take a photo?” He referred to previously exposed road scams, questioning why the necessary roadwork had not been completed.

Reports indicate that two to three feet of water accumulated in several areas of the city, with Tilak Nagar in Sion, Kurla, and Chembur being particularly hard hit. The flooding caused severe traffic jams on both the Eastern and Western Express Highways, leading to prolonged disruptions. Thackeray noted, “I have never seen such a horrific picture in Mumbai.”

Highlighting the administrative shortcomings, Thackeray pointed out that municipal elections have yet to occur in multiple locations, including Mumbai, Pune, and Thane, lamenting the lack of even 15 assistant commissioners in a city as large as Mumbai. He questioned Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s team, asking, “Did anyone see a single officer on the street yesterday?”

Thackeray further criticised the apparent ineffectiveness of the disaster control room, stating that not a single pumping machine was operational to address the flooding. He added, “Passengers were in dire conditions at the stations. Where were the railway officials yesterday?”

Additionally, Thackeray commented on the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Pune due to the rain, remarking, “While it’s fine that PM Modi’s visit has been called off, what about the people of Pune who will be stuck in ambulances tomorrow?”

He suggested that if police had set up barricades properly, the public would have faced less inconvenience. Thackeray accused the government of exploiting Mumbai for political gain, asserting, “Their politics is to loot Mumbai and dismantle our party.”

On the topic of punishment given to his party colleague, MP Sanjay Raut, Thackeray stated that Raut would address the matter himself, emphasising his commitment to the ongoing struggle for justice.

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