Political tensions in Maharashtra have escalated sharply as leaders from rival Shiv Sena factions exchanged sharp accusations, setting a combative tone ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The war of words centred on allegations of regressive politics and attempts to falsely claim credit for major projects.
Shaina NC's Scathing Attack on Aaditya Thackeray
In a direct and forceful critique, senior Shiv Sena figure Shaina NC launched a verbal assault on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. Speaking to the ANI news agency, she accused him of harbouring what she termed "regressive thoughts" that threaten Mumbai's progressive fabric.
Shaina NC pointed to specific associations to bolster her claim. "Aaditya Thackeray inducted Rashid Mamu. He joined Umar Khalid at the Gateway protest," she stated. She framed this as part of a larger, alarming plot. "They are plotting to turn Mumbai into Mamdani, but we will never let that happen," she asserted, drawing a stark contrast between the two camps. "We are here for progressive politics. They are here for regressive thoughts and comments."
Thackeray's Retort: Allegations of Credit Theft
Aaditya Thackeray swiftly countered the allegations, turning his fire towards the ruling Mahayuti government. In a post on the social media platform X on Sunday, he accused the coalition of trying to "falsely steal credits" for two significant symbols: the Mumbai Coastal Road and the statue of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
"Looking at these shameless ones, you realise how much of a fraud someone can be," Thackeray wrote. He claimed that just as the government was wrongly taking credit for the Coastal Road, it had now put up hoardings falsely claiming responsibility for installing Bal Thackeray's statue.
He emphatically credited his father, Uddhav Thackeray, for the entire endeavour. "The location of the statue, its design—these were decided by Uddhavsaheb, it was installed by Uddhavsaheb, and even the fee was paid by Uddhavsaheb!" he declared. Concluding with a biting metaphor, he added, "But a thief is a thief. They can never go straight. In 'Mindhechya' mirror, do they even see their own face, or is that stolen too?"
BMC Polls: The Stakes and the Manifesto
This heated exchange unfolds against the backdrop of intense preparations for the BMC elections, a high-stakes battle for control of India's richest municipal corporation. Earlier on Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray unveiled their joint manifesto, titled 'Vachan Nama'.
The cover of the manifesto prominently featured a photograph of the Thackeray brothers alongside their late father, Balasaheb Thackeray, symbolising a united front. The alliance has made several key promises to Mumbai's voters:
- Providing affordable housing solutions.
- Strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
- Improving public transport systems.
- Boosting the education sector.
On the other side, Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior Mahayuti leader Devendra Fadnavis struck a confident note. He launched the coalition's BMC campaign and framed the election as a pivotal moment. "This election will be a life-changing one for the people of Mumbai and for Mumbai itself," he said. Taking aim at the opposition, he stated, "We have to teach a lesson to those who only care about their self-interest."
Polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, is scheduled for January 15. The counting of votes will follow on January 16, deciding the political fate of the state's key urban centres.
