In a significant show of unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray shared a stage for their first joint rally ahead of the Nashik Municipal Corporation elections. The cousins launched a fierce political assault on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of practicing 'Chunavi Hindutva' (Electoral Hindutva) and failing to deliver on development promises made to the city.
Allegations of Ideological Betrayal and Hypocrisy
Addressing a large gathering, the Thackeray duo targeted the BJP's recent political maneuvers. Uddhav Thackeray recalled that the BJP had questioned his commitment to Hindutva when Shiv Sena allied with the Congress. He then pointed out the BJP's own alliance with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in Akot as evidence of hypocrisy. 'BJP's Hindutva is limited only to elections. It is Chunavi Hindutva,' Uddhav declared, alleging the party alters its core ideology for mere political convenience.
He also criticized the BJP for importing candidates from rival parties for the civic polls, stating it was an injustice to the party's loyal workers. 'It is unfortunate that a party founded in 1952 has to take wards (children) from other parties on rent,' Uddhav remarked.
Failed Development and Environmental Concerns in Nashik
Raj Thackeray echoed his cousin's sentiments and trained his focus on local issues. Both leaders accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of failing to fulfill promises made to Nashik after the BJP's victory in the 2017 civic polls. They listed key projects like the Neo Metro, IT Park, and Logistics Park that never materialized under the BJP's watch.
The environmental impact of upcoming Kumbh Mela preparations also came under fire. Raj Thackeray highlighted that the MNS successfully conducted the 2015 Kumbh Mela without cutting trees. He questioned the current BJP-led government's need to fell trees at Tapovan now, insinuating the contracts benefit select industrialists. 'Why is BJP destroying greenery now? They have already decided which industrialists will get the land,' Raj claimed.
Contrasting Tenures and a Plea to Voters
To bolster their appeal, Raj Thackeray listed developmental work undertaken during the MNS's tenure in Nashik from 2012 to 2017. He mentioned projects like the Botanical Garden, Children's Park, and a direct water pipeline from Mukane dam, funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives from industrialists like Ratan Tata.
Despite this record, Raj stated they lost the 2017 election because voters believed Fadnavis's promise to adopt Nashik for comprehensive development—promises he says were never kept. Both leaders urged voters to support the UBT-MNS alliance for the city's future. Raj also criticized the state government's Ladki Bahin scheme, questioning if Rs 1,500 monthly assistance is sufficient amid inflation and unemployment. He warned voters that future generations would blame them for 'selling your vote for money.'
The rally marks a crucial consolidation of the Thackeray family's political forces in Maharashtra, setting a confrontational tone for the upcoming civic polls in Nashik.
