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The Print
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Print
Shinde & Thackeray revive Shiv Sena's classic ‘Marathi manus, sons of soil' pitch ahead of BMC polls
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shinde, addressing party workers at NSCI Dome in Mumbai's Worli, hit back saying the Marathi population was compelled to go out of Mumbai because of 'those who are only remembering the Marathi manus now.' Speaking at the Shanmukhananda auditorium in Sion, Mumbai, Thackeray who heads the Shiv Sena (UBT) indicated once again that he is open to reuniting with his estranged brother Raj Thackeray, for the civic body polls without putting it in as many words. He said he is willing to 'do whatever the people of Maharashtra want' to protect the interests of Mumbai, Marathi and Maharashtra. Mumbai: Celebrating Shiv Sena's foundation day Thursday, both Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray sounded the battle cry for Mumbai's civic body, each returning to the party's roots—the Marathi manus, son of the soil. 'It is because you couldn't do anything, Mumbai's Marathi manus were driven out of Mumbai to places like Nalasopara, Badlapur, Vasai, Virar. This is your sin. Over the past 20 years, who ruled Mumbai? Everyone knows,' Shinde said, speaking at the event. Thackeray at his rally said, 'These people don't want Marathi people to come together, that's why they are paying frequent visits.' Thackeray was indirectly taunting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Shinde who have had meetings with Raj Thackeray, who heads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), ever since talks about the two Thackeray cousins reuniting picked up steam. 'Whether it (the alliance with Raj Thackeray) will happen or not, we will see. You shouldn't bother about it,' added Uddhav Thackeray further alleged that the ruling Mahayuti does not want the Shiv Sena (UBT) to come to power in the Mumbai civic body so that it can continue to protect the interests of the Adani Group. 'You don't have money to give for the Ladki Bahin scheme, for state transport buses, but in Dharavi, stamp duty has been waived for the Adani Group. Where did you get that money from? Everything is free for Adani,' Thackeray said. The Adani Group is redeveloping the Dharavi slum cluster. 'This is not just our fight. In 1960, martyrs shed their blood to ensure we get Mumbai. We will not let that go to waste and let anyone finish the importance of Mumbai,' Thackeray added. Elections to all local bodies in Maharashtra are expected to be held late this year. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which the undivided Shiv Sena had ruled for 25 years till 2022, will also go to polls. The term of the general body lapsed in March 2022 and fresh elections are yet to be held. The Shiv Sena split in June 2022. The battle for the Mumbai civic body is a high-stakes one—for several reasons. The BJP has been aggressively trying to wrest control of the country's richest municipal corporation from the Thackerays, while the Shinde-led Sena is on a mission to prove itself the real Shiv Sena and show that the Thackeray brand's supposed appeal in Mumbai is a thing of the past. For the Shiv Sena (UBT), winning Mumbai is key to the immediate survival of his party especially after its debilitating defeat in the state assembly polls. Hitting back at Uddhav, Shinde said the Shiv Sena (UBT) was looking at Mumbai as a golden goose. 'Their heart is in the coffers of Mumbai. Those who stayed in power (in the Mumbai civic body) for so many years and broke the city's treasury are now remembering Mumbai…Mumbai will continue to stay with Maharashtra. Nobody can break Mumbai from Maharashtra,' Shinde said. The BJP is currently in an alliance—Mahayuti—with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), ruling the Maharashtra government. Leaders from the BJP, as well as the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, have informally said that while the three parties will decide whether to have an alliance for each local body poll separately depending on the desires of the ground cadre in that region, the Mahayuti is most likely to fight the BMC election together. On Thursday, Shinde was less than subtle about his ambition of dislodging the Thackerays from the BMC. His party members presented him with a small replica of the BMC headquarters, saying the Mahayuti will rule this edifice post-election. The Deputy CM, at his event, paid tribute to former CM Manohar Joshi, known to have his fair share of differences with Uddhav. Shinde also felicitated Joshi's son, Unmesh, during his party's celebration of Shiv Sena's foundation day. Also read: 4 dead, 32 injured in bridge collapse over Indrayani River near Pune, 10-15 people feared swept away 'Come on, kill me'—Uddhav Thackeray Galvanising the crowd in front of him, Thackeray Thursday borrowed a dialogue from a 1990 Nana Patekar-starrer film, Prahar. 'I am standing here. Come on, kill me,' he urged the BJP and Shinde. 'But, when you come, bring an ambulance along since you will come walking, but will have to go back injured.' Shinde, who delivered his speech at the NSCI dome well after Thackeray had wrapped up his speech, said, 'How can we kill someone who is already dead? People of the state have already finished them in the assembly polls.' The Shiv Sena (UBT) won just 20 of the 288 assembly seats in the Maharashtra assembly election last year, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 57 seats. 'I will share a little math with you,' Shinde told his party workers, elaborating how the undivided Shiv Sena's strike rate was 22 percent in 2014, 45 percent in 2019, and in 2024, while Shinde's party contested 80 seats, winning 57, the Shiv Sena (UNT) contested 85, winning just 20. 'This means their strike rate was just 23 percent. They did not get even one-third the votes that our Shiv Sena got,' Shinde said The Deputy CM said his party will contest the upcoming local body polls as an alliance with Mahayuti partners, but said that the details will be shared at a later stage. Shinde, however, stayed away from commenting on a possible Raj-Uddhav alliance. Hindi imposition Speaking at Shanmukhananda, Thackeray dove into the debate over the Modi government's proposed three-language policy and the Maharashtra government's decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language for students in all Marathi- and English-medium schools starting from the first standard. As per the state's government resolution, Hindi will be the default choice for the third language unless 20 students or more come together and demand a different third language. Speaking on the issue, Thackeray said it was a ploy to divide the state's population. 'They created a divide among Hindus over caste and now they want to divide Marathi vs non-Marathi so that we will fight among us. They want to divert attention from the real news,' Thackeray said. 'They want to impose Hindi, we won't let it be imposed. We are not against Hindi, but I will not allow compulsory Hindi in primary education,' Thackeray said, asking whether Hindi has been imposed in Gujarat. His estranged cousin, Raj Thackeray, has also raised strong opposition to making Hindi compulsory for primary schools as a default third language. (Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri) Also read: Rakhi gift before polls, now strain on coffers, how Mahayuti's Ladki Bahin scheme has undergone a squeeze
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Every daughter-in-law is my beloved sister': Deputy CM Eknath Shinde launches ‘Dowry-Free Maharashtra' campaign
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Thursday announced the launch of the 'Dowry-Free Maharashtra' campaign under the Shiv Sena Mahila Aghadi, the party's women's wing, to 'ensure those who harass our sisters are dealt with firmly'. Shinde formally launched the anti-dowry drive, and unveiled the campaign's official logo during the Shiv Sena's 59th Foundation Day event held in Worli. The deputy CM said the Shiv Sena Mahila Aghadi will implement the Dowry-Free Maharashtra campaign across the state. The announcement comes against the backdrop of the death of Vaishnavi Hagawane in Pune, allegedly due to dowry harassment. According to the police, Vaishnavi Hagawane allegedly died by suicide at her in-laws' house in the Pune district on May 16. Shinde said that after Hagawane's death, the entire state of Maharashtra was shaken. 'From now on, every daughter-in-law of Maharashtra is my beloved sister. The campaign will kick start from Anand Ashram in Thane, and will be expanded across the state through the Sena shakhas. Every Sena shakha will now be the first maternal home for our beloved daughters-in-law who are facing dowry-related harassment. Our Mahila Aghadi will ensure those who harass our sisters are dealt with firmly,' Shinde said. He said that to prevent dowry-related deaths, the Sena's women's wing will reach every corner of Maharashtra, and fight for the rights of women who are being harassed for dowry. It will provide legal support, drive public awareness, and deliver justice for dowry‑harassed women. The NCP (SP), led by party MP Supriya Sule, has also launched a statewide anti‑dowry campaign called 'Dowry‑Free, Violence‑Free Maharashtra.' It's set to begin Sunday, June 22, and run for a full year, aiming to cultivate cross-party unity and lasting awareness against dowry and harassment of women.
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘You are already finished': Shinde rebukes Thackeray
MUMBAI: The 59th foundation day of the Shiv Sena on Thursday was marked by bitter accusations, taunts and a virtual declaration of war ahead of local body elections in the state. Quoting from Nana Patekar-starrer Prahaar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray challenged his bête noir Eknath Shinde, saying, 'Come on, kill me!' Uddhav launched his attack at Shanmukhananda Hall, where the Sena (UBT) was celebrating the party's foundation day. Shinde, whose faction of the Sena was celebrating the occasion at the NSCI Dome in Worli, countered Uddhav, declaring that he did not want to kill someone who was 'already finished'. Shinde's speech was largely devoted to slamming Uddhav and emphasising that his faction was the 'original Sena', which was carrying forward the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. He said the strike rate of his party was very high. 'In 2014, the (undivided) Shiv Sena contested 282 seats and won 63 seats. In 2019, the (undivided) Shiv Sena contested 124 seats and won 56 seats, and this time (2024), they (Sena-UBT) contested 85 seats and won 20. Of this, many were won with slender margins. Many seats were won due to Congress votes as real Shiv Sena voters had bid goodbye to them. We have confidence, and they (Sena-UBT) have arrogance, which will bring them to another defeat,'' said Shinde. 'They consider BMC as golden goose. Mumbai and its importance is not under threat, but their politics and finances will come under threat as their soul is in the BMC treasury, while our soul is Hindutva. There will be no compromise on it,'' said Shinde. 'Is Hindutva a T-shirt you can wear or remove any time,' he asked, referring to Thackeray's statement that he has not quit Hindutva. Virtually kickstarting the Sena's campaign for the upcoming elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other local bodies in the state, Shinde told party workers that the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition would contest the polls as an alliance but details would be revealed later. However, he did not comment on speculation over the reunion of the estranged Thackeray cousins – Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Challenging Shinde, Uddhav said at Shanmukhananda Hall, 'Come on, kill me,' a line from the Hindi film Prahaar. He added that if they wanted to attack, they must come with an ambulance as they would 'come walking and go back injured'. Shinde countered him, saying mere talk is not enough. 'You need a tiger's heart and strength in your wrist. How can we kill someone who is already dead? People of the state have already finished them in the assembly polls.' On the undivided Sena's legacy, Shinde declared, ''We have the Shiv Sena bow and arrow symbol, and the people's support. We have protected Balasaheb's ideology. 'Balasaheb's ideology is our wealth.' The Sena chief also taunted Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, whose friend, actor Dino Morea, is being interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). 'When Dino opens up, let's see how many people sink.' The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, an ally in the Mahayuti coalition, had faced major embarrassment due to the suicide of Vaishali Hagawane, daughter-in-law of NCP leader Rajendra Hagawane. It put Pawar in a particularly awkward position as there were pictures of him handing over the keys to an SUV, part of Vaishnavi's dowry, to her husband Shashank Hagawane. In a damage-control exercise, the Shiv Sena launched a campaign for daughters-in-law. 'Our shakhas will attend to issues faced by daughters-in-law, who face issues at home. We must treat our daughters-in-law like our daughters,'' said Shinde. Shinde said more than 50 corporators from the Sena UBT, from the 2017-22 term, had joined the Sena. 'We are growing,' he declared. In a timely move, three local Sena-UBT leaders joined Shinde's party – Ajit Bhandari (Sena-UBT vibhag pramukh and former corporator), Sanjay Jangam (shakha pramukh) and Vijendra Shinde (former corporator). Nadia Sheikh (former corporator from the NCP-SP) also joined the Sena on Thursday.
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Navi Mumbai civic body flags 501 dangerous buildings, 51 marked for immediate evacuation
NAVI MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has identified 501 buildings as structurally dangerous, following its annual safety survey for 2025–26. Of these, 51 buildings have been classified as 'C-1' — extremely dangerous and unfit for habitation — and must be vacated immediately. The survey was conducted department-wise and the buildings have been marked unsafe under section 264 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act. The number of dangerous buildings has dropped from last year's count of 527, a decline officials attribute to redevelopment initiatives. In comparison, last year's survey had flagged 62 buildings in the high-risk C-1 category, 113 in C-2A, 303 in C-2B and 49 in C-3. The updated list has been uploaded to the NMMC website, with buildings in the 'C-1' category clearly marked in bold. The list also indicates whether the buildings are currently in residential use. Municipal commissioner Kailas Shinde said that owners and occupants have been issued written notices, warning them against continued occupation of these unsafe structures. 'The notices have been issued in line with the Government of Maharashtra's 2015 circular on demolition of dangerous buildings,' he said. Shinde further warned that electricity and water connections to C-1 buildings will be disconnected, and urged residents to vacate voluntarily. 'If residents or owners continue to occupy these buildings despite warnings, they will bear sole responsibility for any loss of life or property resulting from structural failure. The corporation will not be held accountable,' he said. With the monsoon underway, the civic body has also issued a fresh public appeal urging citizens to prioritise safety. 'Living in these structures during heavy rains is highly dangerous,' said Shinde. 'We are appealing to all affected residents to vacate immediately to avoid potential tragedy.'
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Uddhav already politically dead, declares Shinde
Mumbai: At Shiv Sena 's foundation day celebration in Worli on Thursday, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde criticised his former leader and current rival, Uddhav Thackeray , for alleged corruption within the BMC and for deviating from the late Bal Thackeray 's ideology in his pursuit of the chief minister's chair. Responding to Thackeray's "Come on, kill me" political challenge, Shinde took a dig at him as he said he might have watched English films during his foreign vacations. "Why kill someone who is already politically dead?" he said. Shinde affirmed his adherence to the ideology, declaring, "Hindutva is our soul, and Marathi is our breath." "They betrayed Balasaheb's ideology and Shiv Sainiks for the CM's chair. Is this how you become Balasaheb's heir?" Shinde said on the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief. Shinde lauded his MP son, Shrikant Shinde, for leading a delegation of members of Parliament abroad and expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity. Shinde's mention of his son during the Worli function indicated that Shrikant may play a pivotal role in the upcoming BMC election . Shinde appealed to supporters to prepare for the elections and ensure that the party flag is displayed at the BMC headquarters, promising to reinstate the Marathi manoos who was displaced to neighbouring districts despite Shiv Sena's two-decade rule over the BMC. The Shiv Sena split into two in 2022. One faction was led by Eknath Shinde and was able to retain the name, while the other was led by Thackeray and had to settle for the name Shiv Sena (UBT). Both claim to be the real Shiv Sena founded by Bal Thackeray. Shinde asserted that Hindutva and Marathi pride are always with them but Shiv Sena (UBT) recognised it only during elections. Shinde asked Thackeray: "What have you done for Marathi manoos after Balasaheb? Mumbai's Marathi population was pushed to the outskirts during your rule in BMC. You held the chair for over 20 years and still failed to protect them." Shinde criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) for comparing the RSS with anti-national forces and accused Thackeray of jailing individuals for chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, after stating that it reflects his Hindutva. Drawing an analogy to farmers awaiting rain for their harvest's well-being, Shinde criticised the Shiv Sena (UBT) for "chasing money" through alleged involvement in the khichdi scam during Covid, the body bag scam, the garbage scam, and the Mithi river desilting scam. "How much money will you need?" he asked. He also referenced the ongoing investigation into the Mithi desilting scam, mentioning Dino Morea, a close associate of Shiv Sena (UBT) politician Aaditya Thackeray. Shinde suggested that Dino Morea's inquiry could expose the truth.
