Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission during his party’s annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Addressing a massive gathering, Thackeray called for a ‘regime change’ and accused the central government of actively undermining democratic electoral rights.
Surveying the sea of saffron flags at the venue, Thackeray declared his ambition to extend this influence to the national capital. “Today, the scene is spectacular; a saffron atmosphere is visible everywhere. We have to hoist this saffron flag not only in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly but also at the Red Fort in Delhi. Our saffron is our identity; no one can steal it, no matter how big a dacoit comes,” he stated.
Thackeray invoked the teachings of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, urging his supporters to “live for a single day, but live like a lion,” and emphasising that a “dead mind can never start a revolution.”
During his address, the former Chief Minister heavily criticised the state government’s handling of the ongoing drought in Maharashtra. He highlighted the severe crisis facing farmers, questioning the administration on the actual extent of relief provided and condemning the lack of timely assistance.
Thackeray also took aim at the central government and state law enforcement over the recent attack on Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff. While acknowledging that the actor was fortunate to survive and that the perpetrators were apprehended, Thackeray questioned how the attackers managed to obtain weapons. He challenged Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the alleged mastermind, Anmol Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Sabarmati jail. “I challenge him; if you have the courage, go and drag Anmol Bishnoi out of Sabarmati jail,” Thackeray challenged.
Furthermore, Thackeray vehemently criticised the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar regarding the ‘SIR’ controversy. He questioned the exclusion of 13 crore voters, sarcastically asking if they were all “Bangladeshis.” He demanded accountability, asking why CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation hasn’t been sought when other ministers have faced similar consequences in the past.
Adding to the fiery rhetoric, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also targeted the central government, alleging a ₹1,400 crore “loot” associated with the Ram Temple. Raut boldly claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not remain in power by the end of April, asserting that the public is no longer afraid of the current leadership.