This year, all eyes are on the annual Dussehra rally of Shiv Sena, as chief Uddhav Thackeray is expected to talk about party alliance with the BJP
This year, all eyes are on the annual Dussehra rally of the Shiv Sena, as chief Uddhav Thackeray is expected to talk about the party alliance with the BJP. The rally, one of the biggest political events in the city, is where the Shiv Sena uses the stage to show its political strength and leaders talk about future plans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Uddhav Thackeray at the BMC organised event at Azad Maidan, at the memorial for martyrs of the 1857 revolt. The event was held last morning , with top Sena leaders in attendance. Pic/Varun Singh
With the upheaval in the alliance between Sena and BJP, especially after the anti-Pak protest policy adopted by Shiv Sena, and the breaking of the alliance in Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections, the relationship between the parties has been further strained.
It is expected that Shiv Sena may take major decisions related to the party’s future, and Thackeray seems decided on what he will tell party workers. This reporter asked Thackeray about the alliance, as speculations are rife that Sena might break away. To this Thackeray said, “Wait for a day, I will speak about the alliance.”
While Thackeray said he will speak about it soon, senior party leaders have claimed that he will reveal his cards during the Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park. Thackeray has said the Dussehra rally will happen for sure this year. Last year Dussehra came during the elections for the Maharashtra assembly, forcing Shiv Sena to abort plans of holding a rally.
It was also contesting the election on its own after 25 years and hence, many in the party weren’t for the idea of devoting a lot of time for one event, and preferred campaigning across the city and state. This year, all eyes are on the Dussehra rally.
A senior party leader said, “There is a lot to talk about, there is a lot to clear. The cadre is a bit confused on why we escalated the anti-Pakistan protest and then let it go. The cadre needs answers, and confusion amongst lower ranks is dangerous for any party, hence Uddhavji will clear all this confusion. He will answer everything. He will speak on the relationship between us and BJP now and what should be done in future. We already have separated in KDMC, now what will happen in Mumbai, will be answered by the party chief.”
Meanwhile, BJP held a function at its Mumbai office on Thursday, where all its leaders including the chief minister and state president were present. The BJP missed the function held by BMC at the Azad Maidan yesterday at the memorial for the 1857 martyrs. As no BJP leader was seen, only Sena members occupied the place and Thackeray was there.