Do Mumbaikars Only Want the Mahayuti Flag to Fly Over Mumbai?

Mumbai, June 20 (NationPress) The Maharashtra BJP president and state Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, asserting that the people of Mumbai desire solely the BJP-Mahayuti flag to wave over their city. He emphasized that in the upcoming BMC elections, voters will express their choice through their ballots.

Responding sharply to Thackeray's recent remarks at a rally commemorating his party's anniversary, Bawankule described the speech as a manifestation of frustration and fear of defeat. He argued, "When public backing diminishes, the noise escalates. Uddhavji’s claims that 'Shiv Sena hasn’t perished' ring hollow, as you’ve not only lost the essence of the ‘Sena,’ but in forsaking the values of ‘Shiv’ and ‘Hindutva,’ you have bowed before Sonia Gandhi. It’s simple to hurl personal attacks at respected leaders like Modiji, Amitbhai, and Devendraji, but while they traveled across the nation, you were delivering virtual addresses from Matoshree. The citizens of Maharashtra are aware of this reality,” he stated.

Bawankule further challenged those claiming, "Mumbai is ours," to clarify their contributions to the Marathi community in the city. He questioned, "During your tenure at the municipal corporation, what actions did you take for the slums, water supply, education, or healthcare?" This, he referenced, was indicative of Thackeray-led Shiv Sena’s failures during its extensive governance over the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation.

“Mumbaikars recognize that significant initiatives like the Coastal Road, Metro, Cluster Redevelopment, and Slum Rehabilitation were realized through Devendraji’s leadership. Although you may shout that Mumbai belongs to you, the people desire the BJP-Mahayuti flag to be the only one flying here, as it symbolizes development, safety, and dignity,” he asserted.

Taking a jab at Thackeray, he added, “Uddhavji, continue your tirades, keep mocking and scoffing. This is how you’ll occupy your future. True public service and welfare stem from genuine passion, which you seem to lack. The populace of Maharashtra has grasped this truth. In the forthcoming elections, they will make their choice clear.”

In his address on Thursday, Thackeray directed criticism at the BJP, alleging it was obstructing the unity of the Marathi populace in Mumbai. He accused the BJP of enforcing Hindi in schools for grades 1 to 5 and also took aim at the Prime Minister, asserting the nation requires a true leader, and that Modi is merely the BJP’s PM.