Lok Sabha elections 2024: "Unhone hume dawat di", says Shiv Sena UBT supporter amid nomination filing

Shiv Sena`s rally in Mumbai (Pic: Screengrab/Mid-Day)

During the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a rally supporting Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena was held in Bandra near the Middle Income Group Club. Numerous individuals encountered traffic disruptions as a result of the rally. Four buses packed with Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters were a significant contributing factor to the traffic congestion.

At the rally, a Mid-Day reporter interviewed a participant who expressed a nuanced view on political allegiance. When questioned about his preferred party, he stated that he harboured no allegiance to any specific political faction. He emphasised that his support would be contingent upon any party's commitment to enhancing the quality of life. "If any party helps us in upgrading our lifestyle in the future, we'll take care of them," he remarked. However, he also asserted that should any party undermine their prospects, they would take necessary action to hold the party accountable.

Also Read: Mumbai commuters express frustration as Lok Sabha 2024 nomination filing leads to chaos in Bandra East

Shiv Sena supporters during the rally in Bandra on Thursday, April 2 (Pic: Ainie Rizvi)

When questioned about his rationale for supporting Shiv Sena (UBT), he simply stated, "Hum toh pehle se hai...humare baap dada ke zamane se hai."

On the eve of the nomination filing, the individual asserted that leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) hosted a dinner gathering where they interacted with party workers. "Humare kareeb mein do MLA hai, unhone hume dawat di...humne unhe welcome kiya ghar see," the person disclosed.

Additionally, a rally organised by the INDIA Alliance was observed on the same thoroughfare. Supporters of the INDIA bloc appeared vehemently opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi securing another term in office. When questioned about their stance on Modi's efforts to forge international relations, a female supporter of the INDIA Alliance supporter remarked, "Modi should firstly prioritize the well-being of his own country's citizens before seeking to enhance India's relations with other nations across the globe."

In response to the same inquiry, another female supporter asserted, "Modi isn't fostering relationships for the benefit of India; he's merely advancing the interests of Ambani and Adani."

The road adjacent to the Mumbai Suburban District Collectorate in Bandra East will remain closed until April 3.