In a rare show of unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray jointly launched a fierce critique of the ruling Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. Speaking in an interview published on Thursday, the political leaders painted a grim picture of the state's current affairs, alleging rampant corruption, stalled projects, and a direct threat to Marathi pride.
A Turning Point for Mumbai and Maharashtra
The interview, conducted by Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar for the party mouthpiece Saamna, saw both leaders frame the upcoming electoral battles as critical. Raj Thackeray emphasized that the state is at a crossroads, stating, "This election and Maharashtra stand at a turning point, what we call 'now or never.'" He argued that this pivotal situation extends across the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), making opposition unity an urgent necessity.
Echoing the sentiment, Uddhav Thackeray declared that "a death warrant is being issued for Mumbai and Marathi pride." He accused the state government of allowing the city to deteriorate, with vital projects being stalled and corruption becoming widespread.
The Scourge of 'Unopposed Elections' and a Call for Public Anger
A significant portion of the leaders' ire was directed at the phenomenon of unopposed elections in local civic bodies. Uddhav Thackeray labeled the issue as "serious," where candidates are forced to withdraw, leading to uncontested wins. He used a sharp analogy, suggesting that just as tenders are re-issued if flawed, elections that go uncontested should be held again.
"Is there not a single opposition candidate (in places where there is) unopposed election?" he questioned. Raj Thackeray agreed, adding a layer of sarcasm by wondering if the gods were merely spectators to the current political decay. He stressed that restrictions are necessary to curb such undemocratic practices.
Raj further called upon the electorate to express their discontent through the ballot. "People need to express their anger over what is happening during the voting process," he said, listing key municipal corporations like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik. He warned that if people do not channel their anger via votes, they would have no right to complain later.
Criticism of Leadership and Governance
The Thackeray cousins did not spare the state's top leadership. Commenting on recent incidents like drug seizures and factory busts, they targeted Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio. In a pointed remark, Raj Thackeray drew a parallel between national and state politics.
"Our country needs a PM. But right now it does not have a PM, BJP has a PM. Similarly, Maharashtra does not have a CM, BJP has a CM," he stated, accusing the ruling party of prioritizing its own power over the needs of the nation and the state.
This joint interview marks a notable convergence of two powerful Marathi political voices, setting the stage for a heightened political confrontation in Maharashtra, with the health of Mumbai's democracy and development at its core.
