What to Expect from Tomorrow's Dussehra Rallies with Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Five rallies are set for Dussehra in Maharashtra.
- Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde will lead major gatherings.
- The political atmosphere is charged due to agricultural distress.
- Significant speeches expected regarding upcoming elections.
- The rallies reflect the current political landscape in Maharashtra.
Mumbai, Oct 1 (NationPress) As Dussehra approaches, the state is set to witness five distinct rallies, prominently featuring Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde.
Severe rainfall has inflicted significant damage on agriculture across numerous regions in the state, with Marathwada being the most adversely affected. In light of this situation, various leaders and parties are gearing up for their Dussehra rallies tomorrow, as these events hold considerable political significance in the state.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is also scheduled to host its Vijayadashami program in Nagpur.
Both factions of Shiv Sena will conduct their rallies in Mumbai. Additionally, BJP leader and Environment Minister Pankaja Munde will hold her Dussehra rally at Bhagwan Gad in Ahilyanagar district. Pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil will also lead a rally at Narayangad tomorrow.
The Dussehra rally for Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) will take place at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, also referred to as Shivtirth in Dadar.
The speech by party chief Uddhav Thackeray is anticipated to be a major highlight, as insiders speculate he will launch his campaign for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections along with other local body elections in the state.
He is also expected to intensify his criticism of the MahaYuti government, particularly regarding its handling of the current natural calamity resulting from the recent heavy rains and floods in Marathwada and surrounding areas.
The party promoted Thursday’s rally on X with the message: “Thoughts of Thackeray, Voice of Maharashtra, Dussehra Gathering 2025. The torch of Maharashtra's welfare will blaze right here!”
Meanwhile, the Dussehra rally led by Eknath Shinde will occur at NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, as opposed to the traditional Azad Maidan. Shinde remarked on X, “This year's Dussehra rally will be on the farmers' bund. The venue has changed, but the tradition remains.”
Shinde is likely to direct fresh criticism at his predecessor, Uddhav Thackeray, while outlining the party's strategy to secure victory in the BMC elections as a major ally within the MahaYuti.
The Shiv Sena Dussehra rally has been a longstanding custom for the past 58 years. In 2006, the rally was cancelled due to severe rainfall turning the Shivaji Park ground into mud, and in 2009, it was postponed due to the model code of conduct for assembly elections.
In 2020 and 2021, the Dussehra rally was hosted indoors at the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Memorial due to the pandemic crisis. Following the split of the Shinde faction from Shiv Sena in 2022, separate Dussehra rallies for both factions are now organized.
Pankaja Munde's Dussehra rally at Bhagwan Gad is particularly significant amidst ongoing protests advocating for pro-Maratha and OBC reservations.
Activist Manoj Jarange Patil is set to address the crowd at Narayangad in Beed district, as he pushes for the enforcement of a government resolution from early September regarding Kunbi certificates for members of the Maratha community.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is commemorating its 100th anniversary, adding extra importance to the rallies taking place on Dussehra. The Sangh will conduct Shastra Pujan on this day, followed by a speech from Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat.