To boost the morale of Shiv Sena (UBT) workers and leaders and fortify the party ahead of the looming Lok Sabha elections, Uddhav Thackeray is set to embark on a five-day tour to Ratnagiri and Sindhudurga in the first week of February. The tour aims to energize the party’s base in the Konkan region, a stronghold for Shiv Sena (UBT). Thackeray will engage with party MLAs and MPs, holding crucial meetings and addressing the concerns of the party’s grassroots.
In the preceding months, his son, Aaditya, conducted a two-day outreach program in the Konkan belt, underlining the party’s commitment to connect with the local populace.
As part of his election campaign, Thackeray initiated the process by convening a party workers’ convention in Nashik last week, commemorating the birth anniversary of the late Balasaheb Thackeray. Now shifting focus to the Konkan region, Thackeray will meet with office-bearers during his visit.
From February 1-2, Thackeray will be present in Raigad district, addressing rallies at Pen, Alibaug, and Roha talukas. On February 4, he will extend his tour to Sawantwadi, Kudal, Malvan, and Kankavali talukas, meeting party workers at the residence of MLA Vaibhav Naik. There are speculations of a rally in support of MLA Rajan Salvi in Ratnagiri during the same visit. On February 5, Thackeray is scheduled to visit Barsu, Rajapur, Ratnagiri, Devrukh, and Chiplun districts.
It’s noteworthy that Shiv Sena UBT leaders Salvi and Naik are currently under the scrutiny of central agencies in corruption cases, with their residences being raided by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Despite these challenges, both leaders have expressed steadfast loyalty to Thackeray and the Shiv Sena (UBT).
Thackeray is expected to guide his party leaders during the tour to connect with the people and highlight perceived injustices, particularly focusing on the recent judgement in the MLA disqualification petition by Vidhan Sabha chairman Rahul Narwekar.
Simultaneously, Thackeray has criticized the BJP for claiming credit for the Ram Mandir construction and questioned Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ remarks on Shiv Sena and his contribution in the Babri demolition. Thackeray, taking a swipe at the BJP, suggested that they must answer “what has Modi done in 10 years” instead of solely questioning the Congress’ 75-year record. He also advised the PM to embody Lord Ram’s ideals beyond mere vocalizations of ‘Jai Shri Ram’.
