Mumbai, Jan 12 (NationPress) The race for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections intensified as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a vehement critique of the Thackeray brothers during a MahaYuti rally at the historic Shivaji Park.

In a calculated move reminiscent of Raj Thackeray’s well-known "Lav Re To Video" (Play that video) approach, Fadnavis utilized a massive screen to showcase clips of Raj and Uddhav Thackeray trading harsh accusations against one another in the past.

Addressing the audience, Fadnavis pointed to the screen and stated, “Is there even a need for us to respond? They have already answered one another. The concerns and appeals raised in their Sunday rally were empty.”

“Their alliance is merely a quest for power,” he emphasized, shedding light on the inconsistencies of their current partnership.

In response to the opposition's claims about Mumbai’s identity, Fadnavis firmly asserted, "No one— not even any ancestors— can sever the connection between Mumbai and Maharashtra. It remains and will always be united."

Fadnavis meticulously examined administrative records to refute claims that the current administration is neglecting the Marathi language.

Labeling his critics as "Gajini" (indicating forgetfulness), he outlined a timeline: “In September 2021, Uddhav Thackeray, during his tenure as CM, established the Mashelkar Committee for the New Education Policy. Their report recommended that English and Hindi be taught as required second languages from Class 1 to 12. In January 2022, this report was presented to the Cabinet led by Uddhav Thackeray,” he noted, adding that he possesses signed documents confirming Uddhav's approval of the cabinet minutes that mandated Hindi alongside English.

“In our MahaYuti administration, the Marathi language remains compulsory. You are welcome to learn other languages, but do not mislead the public when you are the ones who endorsed these policies,” Fadnavis declared.

Fadnavis launched a direct confrontation against the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s 25-year reign in the BMC.

“You claim that 'Marathi Manush' is under threat. If that is the case, after your three-decade rule over the Municipal Corporation, what were you doing all this time? Playing marbles?” he questioned.

“This is not a fight for the survival of the Marathi people; it is a struggle for your (Thackeray brothers) political survival. You do not represent Maharashtra, nor are you the exclusive voice of the Marathi populace,” he asserted.

When faced with challenges from the Thackeray camp for a debate with Aaditya Thackeray, Fadnavis dismissed the necessity for an elevated showdown.

“If Aaditya Thackeray desires a debate, our candidate Sheetal Gambhir is more than capable. Let him propose a time tomorrow; she will stand in and respond to his inquiries,” he remarked.

In response to personal attacks directed at him, Fadnavis took a pointed jibe at Uddhav Thackeray.

"You commented on my parents. I have been brought up with values that stop me from attacking your family. But what would your father [Balasaheb Thackeray] think seeing you alongside individuals like Rashid Mammu?" he questioned.

Addressing Raj Thackeray’s claim that the Mumbai airport is being "seized" due to operations being shifted to Navi Mumbai, Fadnavis clarified the government's perspective. He declared that Mumbai will ultimately have three airports.

"If London can operate multiple airports, why can’t Mumbai? We are fast-tracking the Navi Mumbai project and planning a third airport," he asserted.

He also announced plans to expand the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to one and a half times its current capacity.

Mocking the Thackeray brothers’ personal property developments, Fadnavis quipped, "You (Uddhav Thackeray) moved from Matoshree 1 to Matoshree 2, and Raj Thackeray relocated from Krishnakunj to Shivtirth because you required more space. Why then object to the city needing additional space for an airport?"

Concluding the rally on National Youth Day, Fadnavis invoked the legacy of Swami Vivekananda. He reassured the audience that, despite the opposition’s rhetoric, "No one’s father can sever Mumbai from Maharashtra," and pledged that the next Mayor of Mumbai would be a Marathi individual under the MahaYuti banner.