Uddhav Thackeray Labels BJP Supporters as Enemies of Maharashtra in Assembly Poll Campaign

Uddhav Thackeray, president of Shiv Sena UBT, began his campaign for the November 20 assembly elections by framing the contest as a choice between those who cherish Maharashtra and those who betray it. He criticised his former ally, the BJP, and its partners, labelling them as adversaries of Maharashtra. Thackeray promised voters that if the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) gains power, they will construct a temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in every district.

During his first day of campaigning, Thackeray addressed rallies in Kolhapur and Ratnagiri districts. In Kolhapur's Radhanagari, he emphasised that those who genuinely care for Maharashtra align with the MVA, which includes Shiv Sena UBT, Congress, and NCP SP. He accused those supporting the BJP, part of the ruling Mahayuti bloc, of being enemies of the state. Thackeray also accused the BJP of selling Maharashtra to Gujarat.

Maharashtra's Industrial Projects and Political Allegations

In Ratnagiri, Thackeray highlighted that projects like oil refineries are being set up in Barsu, but others like Tata-Airbus are moving to Gujarat. He vowed to block the proposed refinery project in Maharashtra if MVA comes to power. The refinery was initially planned for Nanar but moved to Barsu due to local opposition during Thackeray's tenure as CM from November 2019 to June 2022.

Thackeray claimed his government was overthrown in June 2022 because he resisted BJP's attempts to harm Maharashtra. He asserted that no industrial projects left the state while MVA was in power. In Ratnagiri, he remarked that the BJP-led central government did not dare to interfere with Maharashtra during his leadership.

Promises and Criticisms

Thackeray reiterated that the assembly election is a battle between those who love Maharashtra and those who betray it. He began his speech in Kolhapur with "My Maharashtra loving brothers, mothers and sisters," contrasting with his usual Hindutva-rooted opening remarks. He referred to petitions filed by his party in the Supreme Court seeking disqualifications of rebel Sena MLAs and urged the SC to deliver a verdict on November 8 regarding Shiv Sena's name and symbol.

Thackeray criticised Eknath Shinde's government for allegedly working on commission. He mentioned the Mahayuti government's flagship scheme for poor women, Ladki Bahin Yojana, stating police were reluctant to register complaints of a mother whose daughter was allegedly assaulted in Badlapur. He noted that while the scheme provides Rs 1,500 monthly stipends to eligible women, inflation is making essential goods expensive.

Future Plans and Election Dynamics

If MVA comes to power, Thackeray promised temples dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in every district. He also expressed intentions to build a temple for Shivaji in Surat, Gujarat. Currently, education is free for female students in Maharashtra; Thackeray pledged to extend this benefit to male students under an MVA government.

The former CM promised all-female police stations across Maharashtra for safer complaint filing environments for women. He reiterated plans to scrap Mumbai's Dharavi Redevelopment Project by Adani Group if MVA wins. Thackeray assured farmers would receive minimum support prices for crops under MVA rule.

Thackeray addressed accusations of promoting dynastic politics by pointing out BJP's similar practices. Narayan Rane's son is contesting from Kankavli while his elder son is running from Kudal as a Shiv Sena candidate. Industries Minister Uday Samant is contesting from Ratnagiri while his brother Kiran is running from Rajapur.

The assembly election will be held on November 20 with results announced three days later.