Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), delivered a notable address during a Dussehra rally at Mumbai's Shivaji Park in Dadar, addressing the nation's political landscape and the upcoming 2024 general elections. He underscored the imperative need for a fresh government in the country, an assertion that was underlined by his emphasis on forming a government of alliances rather than one based on "absolute majority."
In his candid remarks, Thackeray criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party at the central level, articulating his belief in the necessity of a new government. His vision for this government places significant importance on the concept of coalitions and alliances, as opposed to a government that holds unchallenged and absolute majority power.
Shiv Sena (UBT), as part of the Opposition's INDIA bloc, is poised to take on the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls scheduled for the following year. Thackeray, displaying determination and assertiveness, assured the audience that their alliance would indeed come into power. Nevertheless, he made it clear that once in a position of authority, they would not spare those who had operated under the pressure of the preceding government. He used a vivid metaphor to illustrate this, warning that they would be "hung upside down."
Thackeray also addressed a pressing issue, namely the demand for reservations for the Maratha community in employment and education under the OBC category. He emphasized that this reservation conundrum could only be effectively resolved within the precincts of the Lok Sabha. His stance was one of unanimity, calling for a comprehensive and collective resolution for the Dhangar, OBC, and Maratha reservations through parliamentary deliberation.
He extended his gratitude to activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who had undertaken a hunger strike to advocate for Maratha reservations, lauding him for transcending the boundaries of caste and religion, which he believed the BJP was attempting to create.
Taking a dig at the government led by Prime Minister Modi, Thackeray expressed his discontent regarding the allowance of the Pakistan cricket team to visit India. He referenced a previous statement by Bala Saheb, asserting that Pakistan should not be permitted to play cricket in India as long as the country was involved in terrorist activities against India. He emphasized the hypocrisy in allowing the Pakistan team to visit and participate in events in India. He pointedly noted the double standards, wherein they labeled their critics as 'deshdrohi' (traitors), yet they themselves were facilitating such actions.
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