Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray has kickstarted the Lok Sabha election campaign in the South Mumbai constituency, a region won by his party in the last two elections. This marks the first general elections for Shiv Sena UBT post the internal split and separation from the BJP.
Taking charge of the campaign, Thackeray addressed the public at a rally in South Mumbai on Saturday evening, assuring them that the “current government, which has assumed power unlawfully, will soon be replaced, and then ‘apna time aayega’ (our time will come).”
He directed criticism towards the BJP-led government at the Centre for relocating significant projects and establishments from Maharashtra and Mumbai to Gujarat. Thackeray pointed to instances like the Vendata Foxconn and Bulk Drug Park projects, originally planned for Maharashtra but shifted to Gujarat. He questioned the Central government about the repeated injustice towards Maharashtra and the implications for youth employment.
Thackeray accused the BJP of using enforcement agencies like ED, IT, and CBI to intimidate those raising their voices against them. He highlighted the targeting of Rohit Pawar, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the Sharad Pawar faction, as an example of such tactics.
Criticizing the BJP for dividing families and failing to fulfill job creation promises, Thackeray urged the crowd to support Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Shiv Sena UBT, emphasizing their commitment to the future and avoiding the spread of rumors.
He also took aim at the Maharashtra government for delays in completing infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Digha railway station, and Uran railway line. Thackeray warned that if these projects are not inaugurated promptly, they will take matters into their own hands.
Thackeray did not spare the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), accusing it of involvement in road and street furniture contract scams. He pledged that once their government is in place in 2024, wrongdoers will be held accountable.
Deliberately choosing South Mumbai to launch his campaign, Thackeray drew attention to the constituency represented by Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Narwekar is expected to deliver a judgment on disqualification petitions filed by Shiv Sena MLAs of Shinde and Thackeray factions on January 10.
Thackeray expressed hope for a just outcome from the Speaker in this case.
The Supreme Court had set January 10, 2024, as the deadline for Narwekar to deliver a verdict on the dispute.
