In a continued display of political rivalry on Dussehra day, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who leads the United Bhartiya Thackeray (UBT), addressed separate rallies. During their speeches, both leaders used acerbic language to criticise each other.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while addressing a rally at Azad Maidan, accused those who claim to have a blood relation with Balasaheb Thackeray of betraying his principles. He alleged that their loyalty is primarily to money, with no ethical boundaries. Shinde also claimed that they sought Rs 50 crore from Shiv Sena’s funds after officially transferring the party to him. He referred to the request as shameless and hinted at a deeper, undisclosed issue, saying, “I will speak at the right time.”
Uddhav Thackeray, addressing a gathering at Shivaji Park, retaliated by criticising Eknath Shinde and his forty MLAs. He mentioned Shiv Sena’s long-standing tradition of Dussehra gatherings and vowed not to let it be broken. Uddhav Thackeray drew parallels to the mythological story of Lord Rama and Ravana, asserting that they are moving forward by confronting those who attempted to harm Shiv Sena. He compared the situation to Ravana’s abduction of Sita, indicating an effort to take away Shiv Sena. Uddhav Thackeray also made references to burning effigies and stated that they have the means to expose the disloyalty of these traitors.
Additionally, an advertisement featuring Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan, and Shah Rukh Khan was mentioned, where they are depicted as Kamala Paasan and are associated with the lotus symbol,