Rival Shiv Sena Factions Set to Hold Major Dussehra Rallies in Mumbai Ahead of Assembly Elections
Mumbai, 12th October 2024: Both the Shiv Sena factions, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray, are set to hold Dussehra rallies in Mumbai on Saturday as they gear up for the Maharashtra assembly elections. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) will gather at Shivaji Park in Dadar, while Shinde’s faction will host its rally at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai.
Despite Thursday night’s heavy rain, which left the rally grounds soaked, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut confirmed that their event would proceed as scheduled. Shinde’s faction is expecting around 2 lakh attendees at Azad Maidan, arranging 3,000 private buses to transport supporters to the venue.
Both sides have released teasers for their respective rallies. Shinde’s teaser portrays the Shiv Sena, symbolized by a tiger, tied to Congress, with Shinde cutting the bond. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) teaser emphasizes safeguarding Maharashtra’s pride and criticizes “traitors,” referring to rebel MLAs. Uddhav Thackeray is expected to use his rally to criticize the Bharatiya Janata Party for allegedly dividing the Shiv Sena.
These rallies, a significant tradition for the Shiv Sena since the 1960s when they were initiated by founder Bal Thackeray, come just weeks before the state elections. The current assembly’s term concludes on November 26. Following the 2022 split, Uddhav’s faction continues its rally at Shivaji Park, while Shinde’s faction has moved to Azad Maidan.
