Uddhav Thackeray attacks BJP, brands PM Modi’s use of Shivaji Maharaj as a ‘vote machine’ in Dussehra rally
Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), has severely criticized Bharatiya Janata Party while speaking at Dussehra rally in Shivaji Park, Mumbai. Here Thackeray utilized the rally only to make his political assertion and state his differences with Bharatiya Janata Party as he referred to that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was misusing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as an election tool. Thackeray’s speech had indicated the determination of his party as he is preparing himself for 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
Thackeray compares BJP to Kauravas in Indian Politics
Uddhav Thackeray did not hobble to shun making bold analogies during his speech. He mentioned the comparison between BJP and Kauravas, through which he accused them of trying to dominate Indian politics in the same way Kauravas wanted to do the same with Pandavas. The analogy indicated his deep disenchantment with the political tactics and strategies of BJP that he believes are against democratic principles and overshadow the true spirit of Hindutva.
Explains Thackeray, the break between the Shiv Sena and BJP is rooted in a disagreement on Hindutva. Whereas the BJP has given Hindutva a political stage that propels its agenda, the Shiv Sena, as Thackeray believes, “remains only loyal to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj” and their agenda under Balasaheb Thackeray.
Shivaji Maharaj: God Incarnate or Vote Bank?
A particularly provocative point Uddhav Thackeray made was when he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi for considering Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj a mere “vote machine.” The BJP, according to Thackeray, invokes Shivaji Maharaj only in politicking as it is the easiest way to win votes rather than as an actual display of respect for the memory of the esteemed Maratha warrior king.
Thackeray also argues that though Shiv Sena worships a god, it is only for Shivaji Maharaj as a tool to achieve political prowess at the hands of Shivaji Maharaj. Such a cult of Shivaji Maharaj runs in every vein of the party’s cultural and political identity. Bringing such a contrast to the fore, Thackeray aimed at reasserting his faction’s commitment to maintaining the ethos associated with the culture and history of Maharashtra.
Dussehra rally also provided Thackeray an opportunity to give his criticism of the central policies-this time in the case selling Dharavi land to Adani Group, expressing discontent with the way government had taken up this crucial project, betraying welfare of people of Maharashtra for corporate interests.
Similarly, he criticized the judiciary for its alleged inaction towards such matters. Questions have been raised about RSS and their silence regarding the present path of the BJP. Thackeray contended that due to Modi’s leadership, the BJP has become diverged from the traditional path followed by the RSS, thus causing disagreement among people and hampering the development activities of Maharashtra.
Building a temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in every district of Maharashtra is promised by the vision established by Thackeray, who promised to build temples dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in every district of Maharashtra if his party comes to power. This promise thus aligns with his idea of projecting Shivaji Maharaj as a revered figure central to the Shiv Sena’s identity and serves as a commitment to restore the cultural pride of Maharashtra.
Commitment to Balasaheb Thackeray’s Ideology
Throughout his speech, Uddhav Thackeray reasserted his loyalty to the ideology of his father, Balasaheb Thackeray, founder of Shiv Sena, criticizing BJP for abandoning principles his father had espoused. He hinted that BJP indulged in communal and casteist politics that instead of homing people together, divide them.
Thackeray declared that the single-minded intention of the BJP to win elections at all cost has come at the cost of the welfare of Maharashtra. He declared that if elected power, all adverse decisions of the current government would be promptly reversed. Thackeray also cautioned bureaucrats and other officials from patronizing the policies of the BJP; he gave a hint of an alternative governance structure that would enshrine the interest of Maharashtra people over national political endeavors.
Opinions of His Father Expressed by Aaditya Thackeray
Uddhav’s son, Aaditya Thackeray was also a part of the rally and expressed opinions similar to those by his father. He added that his camp was the real Shiv Sena that was founded by the principles and ideology in which Balasaheb had rooted them.
Aaditya attacked Mahayuti government scathingly while talking about its corruption and inability to take the issues of common people seriously. He appealed to the people of Maharashtra to wake up to their powers and influence so that they can vote in the coming elections. “Election is the critical opportunity to push back the control of BJP and bring governance which is about the state’s interest,” Aaditya further said.
Legacy of the Dussehra Rally: A Factional Divide
For long, Dussehra rally symbolized Shiv Sena’s strength and penetration in the state of Maharashtra. Launched by Bal Thackeray in the 1960s, it has become part of the party tradition-meant to be a display of power but also as a platform for political deliberation.
But the Shiv Sena split, post the Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde division, has not only sunk the party further into its deep internal war but also gaum-ed a battle to claim the true legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray. While the Uddhav Thackeray faction has been enjoying the rally in Shivaji Park, Shinde’s group goes searching for new venues to host their political events, pointing to this internecine struggle regarding who gets to represent the actual heir of Balasaheb’s legacy.
The Dussehra rally will be very crucial for the faction led by Uddhav Thackeray as it nears its end with the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. It can thus be a proof of their survival aptitude as well as the intent to contest against the BJP and at the same time, lay their claim over the roots of Shiv Sena pertaining to history and ideology.
Conclusion: Uddhav Thackeray Rallying Call
The Dussehra rally speech by Uddhav Thackeray was a clarion call to his following and an outright challenge to the BJP hegemony over Maharashtra politics. In that speech, he attacked Modi on his use of Shivaji Maharaj in his politics and vowed commitment to the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray while urging great promises for the future of Maharashtra in the incoming electoral fight. Their speech highlights how deep the political divide has gone, but that legacy of Shivaji Maharaj and Bal Thackeray will continue to determine the course of the state’s future.
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