The political landscape of Maharashtra witnessed high-voltage drama as rival leaders Uddhav Sh Thackeray and Eknath Shinde used their respective Dussehra rally platforms to launch scathing attacks on each other. Addressing huge gatherings in Mumbai, both leaders debated key issues ranging from the upcoming political trajectory and agrarian distress to national security and governance. The verbal duel brought the state's burning political controversies to the forefront, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two factions.
Hoisting the Saffron Flag in Delhi
On the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, Shiv Sena UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray adopted an aggressive posture and declared that the prevailing saffron wave should not remain restricted to the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan alone. He asserted that the ultimate goal is to hoist the saffron flag on the throne of Delhi as well. While Thackeray launched fiery salvos from his platform, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde responded forcefully in his own address, rebutting the criticisms and defending the state government's handling of drought and other pressing matters.
Raising the Alarm Over Drought and Agrarian Distress
Uddhav Thackeray strongly criticized the ruling double-engine government over the worsening drought situation across Maharashtra. He claimed that the impending drought poses a severe threat, yet the administration is merely making empty announcements. Pointing to last year's torrential rains, he stated that farmers suffered massive devastation as everything was washed away. During that crisis, the Chief Minister had promised the largest financial package in history, amounting to thirty or thirty-two thousand crore rupees. Thackeray questioned how many ordinary people actually received those funds and how many beneficiaries obtained crop insurance. Ridiculing the government's announcement of five thousand rupees in aid, he termed it a cruel joke played on the farming community.
Attacking Law and Enforcement Failures in Mumbai
Referring to a recent incident involving Tiger Shroff, Thackeray remarked that Eknath Shinde immediately rushed to the spot to grab the limelight. He noted that it was sheer luck a child survived after being hit by a bullet, but questioned the very competence of the administration. Expressing deep anger, he alleged that the police force and other institutions have been reduced to mere servants of those in power. Questioning the purpose of ongoing security checkpoints during Navratri, he asked how armed criminals managed to slip into Mumbai undetected. While he acknowledged that the suspects were eventually apprehended, he argued that authorities would have had no explanation to offer if someone had lost their life.
Urban Naxalism and the Sabarmati Jail Controversy
Targeting the administration further, Thackeray recalled that in the first week of this month, the Maharashtra government submitted an affidavit in the High Court claiming that the state has become a hub for urban naxals. He questioned which city in Maharashtra is supposedly plagued by urban naxalism, pointing out that the criminals who arrived in Mumbai hailed from states like Uttar Pradesh. He noted that while they were caught while leaving, the police failed to intercept them upon arrival. Mentioning Lawrence Bishnoi, he alleged that the gangster is comfortably eating dhokla and fafda inside Sabarmati Jail while his associates boast of having seventy thousand shooters. Challenging Devendra Fadnavis, he dared the Deputy Chief Minister to go to Sabarmati and drag Bishnoi out before his masters if he possesses even an ounce of courage, instead of making tall claims in public.
Demanding Regime Change and Questioning Officials
Addressing the removal of names belonging to soldiers stationed at international borders, Thackeray asserted that if such actions continue, a regime change is inevitable. He firmly stated that they do indeed want a regime change. Questioning whether thirteen million names were deleted simply because those individuals do not chant Vande Mataram, he accused the leadership of running affairs arbitrarily. Citing the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and the transfer of Vivek Bhimanwar MPC on leave, he asked why Gyanesh Kumar has not been asked to step down yet. Drawing a mythological parallel, he compared Narendra Modi and Amit Shah to Ravana, whose life essence was hidden in his navel, identifying Gyanesh Kumar as their vital spot.
Backing Proesting Families and Criticizing Language Policies
Praising the parents who have taken to the streets with their young children in protest, Thackeray warned the authorities not to underestimate the children, adding that even if they perish, the movement will not retreat. He lauded the agitating citizens as true revolutionaries. Commenting on the cultural identity of the state, he quipped that the prevailing atmosphere makes it seem as though the primary language of Maharashtra is now Gujarati. In a satirical jibe, he remarked that their bearded adversaries were sitting idly and scratching themselves while attempting to lecture others on Hindutva. Referring to Amit Shah's remarks in Tamil Nadu where people stated they do not know Tamil, he emphasized that Maharashtra is certainly not a state of helpless individuals.
Eknath Shinde's Retaliation and Relief for Farmers
Hitting back at the opposition, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized that farmers in Maharashtra are suffering due to drought conditions, but asserted that Shiv Sainiks never return empty-handed. Whenever they approach farmers, they bring concrete assistance. Fulfilling this commitment, he announced that one hundred truckloads of relief material had been dispatched, with a second phase to follow soon. Describing himself as a farmer's son, he stated that he could never bear to see cultivators in distress. Urging people to set aside festive celebrations temporarily and extend a helping hand to farmers, he noted that despite facing daily verbal abuses every morning, his administration remains focused on distributing food rations and wiping the tears of those in need.
The Backdoor Politics Retort
Directly targeting Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde questioned his electoral credentials, pointing out that Thackeray never contested a direct election and instead became Chief Minister through the backdoor.
Terrorism, National Pride, and Modi's Leadership
Shifting focus to national security, Shinde recalled that before 2014, the nation frequently witnessed deadly bomb blasts and terror attacks such as the 26/11 incident involving Ajmal Kasab. He noted that earlier governments merely issued strongly worded letters after terror strikes, whereas the current leadership delivers decisive retributions to perpetrators. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created a geopolitical environment where Pakistan is forced to beg for resources globally, an achievement every Indian should take pride in. Contrasting eras, he stated that during Balasaheb Thackeray's time, Pakistan feared a single individual. Referencing the Pahalgam attack, he maintained that his party rushes to help in times of crisis and is known for saving lives rather than fleeing.
Shiv Sena's Expanding Footprint and Crisis Response
Highlighting rescue operations conducted to bring back stranded citizens from Israel and Nepal, Shinde declared that wherever there is a crisis, the Shiv Sena is present, and wherever disaster strikes, Eknath Shinde stands ready. Emphasizing the enduring legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, he stated that the party currently commands 15 Members of Parliament, 74 Members of the Legislative Assembly, and over 1,000 corporators across urban bodies.
Addressing Political Operations and New Entrants
Responding to journalists inquiring about the status of political operations, Shinde remarked that reporters often ask when Operation 3.0 will follow after operations 1 and 2. He clarified that they do not announce the dates of their operations in advance, comparing it to doctors who schedule treatments while he prefers executing major operations directly. Mentioning Srikant Shinde seated in the audience, he noted that while he is not a medical doctor himself, he excels in executing major political maneuvers. Commenting on the steady influx of new members into the party, he urged observers to analyze why people are joining in long queues. He pointed out that even a retired High Court judge recently joined the Shiv Sena, proving the broad appeal of the movement. Concluding his address, he assured supporters that they need not worry about ongoing legal battles, asking them to leave the legal fight entirely in his hands.
