Mumbai, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed on Saturday that the future of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, and the essence of the Marathi Manoos find themselves at a pivotal moment in light of what they described as tumultuous and debatable outcomes from the elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and 28 additional civic bodies.

In a fiercely worded editorial featured in their publication Saamana, the Thackeray faction accused large-scale electoral misconduct, which included EVM tampering, bribery of voters, and fraudulent voting practices, as the counting process dragged on late into the night. They posed a critical question: who will safeguard the interests of the Marathi Manoos in Mumbai?

The editorial emphasized that the electoral challenges faced by both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) signify more than just political defeats; they represent a betrayal of Mumbai’s rich heritage. It claimed that those who have debilitated regional forces have effectively “traded away” the legacy forged through the sacrifices of the city’s martyrs.

Referring to the 106 martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, the editorial declared that they would not merely mourn the current situation but would call for a renewed struggle to protect Mumbai’s essence. Despite facing “extremely adverse circumstances”, the Shiv Sena and MNS engaged in a tight contest, asserting that the fight to preserve Mumbai and its Marathi identity is far from concluded.

The central theme highlighted was the alleged endeavor to cede control of Mumbai to corporate entities, bolstered by the BJP. Drawing a historical analogy, the editorial cautioned that the “saffron flag of Marathi pride” is confronted with challenges akin to the Battle of Panipat.

“The entire nation’s gaze was fixed on Mumbai. Due to rampant corruption, ink scams, EVM manipulation, monetary distribution, and fraudulent or double voting, a corporate force, with the BJP's backing, has sought to wrest control of Mumbai. Celebrations commenced even before the final results were announced, which itself signals electoral malpractice,” the editorial claimed, labeling it a serious alarm for Maharashtra and its citizens.

Moreover, it asserted that when power, wealth, and even constitutional bodies like the Election Commission serve as mere “servants”, any political wave can be orchestrated. Yet, it affirmed that the determination of regional forces remains unwavering.

The editorial accused the incumbent government of diluting the ideological legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and claimed that vast financial resources were deployed to “stab the Marathi people in the back.” It maintained that the struggle to prevent the “encroachment” on Mumbai’s cultural identity would persist despite significant challenges.

According to Saamana, a BJP wave was orchestrated across 26 municipal corporations, enabling “opportunistic political elements,” including the Eknath Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena, to seize power. The editorial argued that the lack of ideology and principles among such factions could render future elections inconsequential.

It further claimed that hundreds of voters were stripped of their voting rights while the Election Commission remained passive. The editorial also accused polling officials of allegedly utilizing “BJP apps” to assist voters and favor the ruling party at polling sites.

“If such grievances are disregarded, then rather than holding elections, representatives should simply be appointed and dispatched to the corridors of power,” it stated.

The editorial alleged that the BJP harbors an “anti-Maharashtra agenda” aimed at installing an “industry-friendly” mayor in Mumbai, which it claimed insults the Marathi identity. This, it argued, was attempted with the aid of the Shinde faction, labeling it a betrayal that will be chronicled in the darkest chapters of Maharashtra’s political narrative.

“The Mumbai earned through the sacrifice of 106 martyrs is on the brink of being snatched away, but we shall not permit that to occur,” the editorial concluded, stating that the “corrupt arrogance” of the BJP would ultimately engulf Mumbai and subsequently Vidarbha.

As the dust from the municipal elections settles, the editorial raised a vital question: “Will the identity of the Marathi Manoos endure?”