Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis delivered a sharp rebuttal to the Thackeray brothers during a Mahayuti election rally in Mumbai. He confidently addressed a crowd alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, dismissing allegations about threats to Mumbai's Marathi identity as a false narrative.
Fadnavis Asserts Alliance Confidence and Marathi Leadership
Speaking at the rally, Fadnavis expressed strong optimism about the Mahayuti alliance's upcoming victory. He emphasized the goal of installing a Marathi mayor in Mumbai, highlighting the government's commitment to local representation. Fadnavis directly challenged the Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj, over their recent claims.
Countering the "Threat to Mumbai" Narrative
Fadnavis labeled the idea of a threat to Mumbai as a fabricated story created by the Thackerays. He argued that this narrative serves only to distract voters, as the brothers lack substantial development achievements to showcase. "The threat is not to Mumbai but to your survival," Fadnavis declared, targeting the Thackerays' political future.
He pointed out that the Thackerays revive this issue around election time, only to neglect Mumbai's concerns afterward. Fadnavis also criticized Uddhav Thackeray for compromising the Hindutva legacy of his father, Bal Thackeray, during his tenure.
Shinde's Pledge to Bring Back Marathi Residents
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde reinforced the government's stance, accusing the Thackerays of neglecting Marathi people. He claimed that many Marathi residents were forced to leave Mumbai under Thackeray's leadership. Shinde promised a concerted effort to bring them back to the city, framing it as part of a broader development agenda.
"They remember Marathi Manoos only during elections," Shinde remarked, suggesting that the Thackerays focus on self-interest at other times. He stressed that the current government prioritizes actionable development over responding to baseless allegations.
Economic Growth and Investment Defended
Fadnavis addressed criticisms about favoritism towards industrial groups like Adani. He presented data showing significant growth across multiple corporate houses during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. According to Fadnavis, these companies experienced expansion rates ranging from 250% to 1,100%.
He highlighted that the Indian economy has climbed from the 11th to the third position globally under this period. Fadnavis noted that the Adani Group saw a 680% growth, but emphasized that this was part of a wider trend of corporate success.
Accusations Turned Back on Thackerays
Fadnavis turned the tables on the Thackerays by reminding the audience that key projects, such as the Navi Mumbai Airport and Dharavi Redevelopment, were approved during the Maha Vikas Aghadi regime led by Uddhav Thackeray. "Look at their audacity, they now accuse the BJP of it," he stated, questioning the consistency of their criticisms.
He argued that investment and growth are crucial for speeding up development and creating jobs, especially for the youth. Fadnavis contrasted this with what he described as the Thackerays' tendency to merely deliver speeches without tangible results.
Personal Attacks and Historical Context
The Chief Minister did not shy away from personal remarks, pointing out that both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have upgraded their own residences over the years. He questioned why they now raise objections when the government brings investments aimed at empowering the Marathi community.
Fadnavis also addressed allegations about Hindi imposition in Maharashtra. He revealed that during Thackeray's chief ministership, a committee approved making English and Hindi mandatory from Class 1. He accused the Thackerays of spreading false narratives to mislead the public.
To underscore past conflicts within the Thackeray family, Fadnavis played old videos showing Uddhav and Raj attacking each other. This move aimed to highlight what he sees as their opportunistic politics.
Rally Context and Political Landscape
This rally occurred just one day after a joint gathering by Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray at Shivaji Park. The event sets the stage for intense political competition in Maharashtra, with both sides vying for the support of Marathi voters in Mumbai.
Fadnavis and Shinde's messages focus on development, economic progress, and a return to Bal Thackeray's original vision for Mumbai. They position the Mahayuti alliance as the true champion of Marathi interests, in contrast to what they portray as the Thackerays' self-serving tactics.
