Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is set to visit shakhas in the Mumbai North East constituency on Sunday evening, specifically in Bhandup and Kanjurmarg, the area represented by rebel MP Sanjay Dina Patil. This marks the beginning of a strategic tour targeting constituencies of all six rebel MPs who left the party.
Uddhav's itinerary and strategy
Uddhav Thackeray will meet party office-bearers and interact with local functionaries during his visit. According to party sources, he plans to tour the constituencies of all rebel MPs, including Yavatmal, Hingoli, Parbhani, Dharashiv, and Shirdi. On Saturday, he met party functionaries from Dharashiv, the constituency of MP Omraje Nimbalkar, including MLA Kailash Patil, at his residence Matoshree. During that meeting, Uddhav urged the functionaries to move on from those who left and continue the party's work. He emphasized that there was no point in fretting over betrayal and that those willing to fight must be taken along.
Strong message against traitors
Speaking at the Sthaniya Lokadhikar Samiti event on Saturday, Uddhav Thackeray issued a stern warning against defectors. He said, "Traitors will be drowned away in the tsunami in the ocean of Shiv sainiks." He added, "You have not backed down and run away from struggle and the dictatorship of the government. Wherever there is injustice, Shiv Sena will fight it." This rhetoric aims to consolidate party workers and voters ahead of potential elections.
Local leaders react
Sena (UBT) functionary Ramesh Korgaonkar confirmed the visit, stating, "Uddhavji will visit Bhandup and Ghatkopar. He made Sanjay Dina Patil win but look what he has given back. Uddhavji will meet voters and our party workers. Based on his orders, we will take the fight against traitors forward." The party has planned similar meetings for all six rebel MPs' constituencies to shore up support and counter the impact of defections.
