Will the SS-UBT and MNS Reveal Their Seat-Sharing Plan Soon?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Seat-sharing announcement expected within two days.
- Discussions nearing completion for key municipal corporations.
- Alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS aims to challenge current government.
- Joint rallies by the Thackeray brothers are planned.
- Raut criticizes Shinde faction's claims over Shivaji Park.
Mumbai, December 17 (NationPress) Shiv Sena-UBT (SS-UBT) MP Sanjay Raut stated on Wednesday that the announcement regarding seat-sharing between the SS-UBT and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections is set to be made within two days, asserting that there is no discord or confusion between the parties involved.
In his address to the media, Raut confirmed that discussions concerning prominent municipal corporations, including Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Pune, and Nashik, are nearing completion, with an official announcement anticipated within the next 48 hours.
"Our focus is on Mumbai. The leaders of MNS and Shiv Sena convened yesterday (Tuesday) to finalize the specifics, and we aim to wrap up the discussions today. There is no discord or confusion between us," he remarked. Raut stressed that the partnership between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS will pose a significant challenge to the existing government.
"This coalition aims to energize Mumbai and Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are now united; they have been meeting frequently and visiting each other's residences. A grand display of strength is being organized to formally announce this partnership. I am confident that the Marathi community in Mumbai will turn out in large numbers for our inaugural joint rally," he expressed.
He also stated that collaborative rallies featuring the Thackeray brothers are the "need of the hour" for Maharashtra and will be organized within Mumbai and other regions of the state.
In a pointed critique aimed at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde regarding the location for the final campaign rally, Raut dismissed the Shinde faction’s claims over Shivaji Park (Shivtirth).
"The Shinde group has no legitimate connection to Shivtirth. Just because (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah granted you the party does not entitle you to that ground. You are a 'test-tube baby'… your political inception is not organic. You were created by 'doctors' from the Election Commission and the Supreme Court. Do not make hollow threats about holding rallies at Shivtirth," he asserted. He maintained that the demands put forth by Sena (UBT) and MNS to utilize the ground are both "morally and emotionally justified."
Raut also criticized the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena regarding their stance on NCP leader Nawab Malik.
While the ruling coalition has allegedly refused to permit Malik to lead the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) in the Mumbai municipal elections, Raut branded their patriotism as a “sham.”
"These individuals are hypocrites. Just as Shinde's party is a replica, so is their ideology. They are engaging in meetings and dinners with Nawab Malik, and one of his daughters is already associated with the ruling faction. Please cease this charade of nationalism," he concluded.