Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 12: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP over what they termed its “fake Hindutva”, saying their political reunion was driven by an imminent “danger” to Mumbai.

Addressing their last joint rally in Mumbai ahead of the January 15 civic body elections, the cousins said they had buried their differences in the interest of the Marathi manoos, Hindus and Maharashtra. The polls are being seen as a crucial test for both parties following their poor performance in the 2024 assembly elections.

Uddhav said love for Marathi culture must be “in the blood” and projected the Thackeray cousins as the only alternative to protect Mumbai. Appealing to the core Marathi voter base, Raj said the two leaders had come together because Mumbai was facing a serious threat.

Both accused the BJP of “looting” Mumbai and alleged that the party was attempting to link the city with Gujarat. They further claimed that Mumbai’s and Maharashtra’s assets were being handed over to the Gautam Adani-led conglomerate.

Raj alleged that since coming to power in 2014, the BJP-led government had consistently favoured Adani. Referring to the proposed Vadhavan port project, he claimed that controlling Palghar, Thane and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region was part of a larger plan to control Mumbai.

“The long-term plan is to connect Mumbai with Gujarat,” Raj said, citing projects such as the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train. Claiming that civic control was crucial, he said assets could not be transferred if the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation remained with their alliance.

Calling the civic polls decisive, Raj warned, “This is the last election for the Marathi manoos. If a mistake is made now, the battle for Mumbai will be lost forever.” He added that previous governments were mindful of public opinion, unlike the present dispensation.

Addressing the rally, Uddhav questioned whether the BJP intended to rename Mumbai as “Bombay”, referring to remarks by Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai. He said the statement had exposed the BJP’s “hidden agenda”.

Accusing the BJP of divisive politics, Uddhav said its Hindutva and nationalism were “fake”, alleging that the party routinely resorted to Hindu-Muslim polarisation during elections. He also criticised the BJP for allowing an India-Pakistan cricket match during an international tournament last year, terming it “shameless”.

Uddhav alleged corruption worth Rs 3 lakh crore in the BMC during the Shiv Sena–BJP regime and claimed irregularities in infrastructure projects, alleging that a large share of cement procurement was from the Adani group.

Taking a swipe at the BJP’s alliances, he said what the party does is termed “Amar Prem”, while similar alliances by others are labelled “love jihad”.

Raj further alleged that the BJP had given an election ticket in Tuljapur to a person accused of drug peddling. On the three-language formula and the proposal to make Hindi mandatory from Classes 1 to 5, he said the move was intended to test whether the Marathi manoos was alert. He clarified that there was no opposition to any language, but only to its imposition.

Raj also asked party workers to keep a close watch on EVMs and alleged instances of double voting during elections.