Mumbai, Jan 8 (NationPress) In the midst of the ongoing campaign for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena founder Raj Thackeray, during a joint interview with Saamana, asserted that their partnership extends beyond politics; it represents a 'Maharashtra dharma'—a commitment to safeguarding the dignity of the state.

In the editorial published in the party's mouthpiece, the Thackeray cousins criticized the present Maharashtra government, stating, “A death warrant is being issued for Mumbai and Marathi pride. The city is deteriorating, projects are staked, and corruption is rampant.”

Both leaders condemned the deterioration of infrastructure, unlawful encroachments, and the neglect of Marathi-speaking citizens. They pledged to prioritize development, cleanliness, and the “protection of local identity and the pride and interests of Maharashtra and the Marathi Manoos.”

In the first segment of their two-part interview, Uddhav Thackeray highlighted the importance of their reunion after years, emphasizing, “Mumbai belongs to Marathi people first. We had to wait 20 years for this unity, but now we are together to save the city.”

He also remarked, “blood is thicker than politics.” Although they had diverged politically for years, the current “assault on Maharashtra's identity” by the Central government and the breakaway Shinde faction necessitated their reunion.

Raj Thackeray stated, “Today, this election and Maharashtra stand at a turning point, what we call ‘now or never.’ Such a situation has arisen in Mumbai, Thane, and the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Given these circumstances, unity is crucial. If we don’t come together today, I fear Maharashtra will not forgive us.”

He issued a stern warning about the future of Maharashtra’s major cities, claiming, “While it took years for Mumbai to face its current challenges, Pune will be ruined much faster if the current administrative neglect continues.”

Raj Thackeray affirmed that the “soul of Mumbai” can only be appreciated by those who have been born and raised there, criticizing the influence of outsiders.

He cautioned against attempts to transform Mumbai into a colony of external interests, asserting that the city's resources are being redirected away from Maharashtra.

In response to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's claim labeling their alliance as a “coalition of corruption,” Raj Thackeray retorted, “Fadnavis should be the last person to speak about corruption.” He accused the ruling party of being “puppets” who only heed their “masters in Delhi.”

Uddhav Thackeray voiced his criticisms of the current government, stating, “They first stole the party, then they stole the symbol, and now they are trying to steal our candidates.”

He questioned the intentions behind the division of Shiv Sena, asserting, “What was the intent? In politics, defections happen. But ending a party, taking its symbol, nearly canceling its recognition, and destroying its existence, to undermine the strength of the Marathi people. This shows what? They split Shiv Sena solely to weaken Maharashtra.”

He cautioned against the “unopposed” election of certain candidates, describing it as a mockery of democracy.

Raj Thackeray added that the current leaders are merely “puppets” governed by “Delhi masters,” aiming to dismantle the Marathi influence in Mumbai.

The Thackeray cousins expressed concerns that Mumbai could be “swallowed” by large corporate interests and developers. They mentioned that if their unity falters, Mumbai risks becoming detached from Maharashtra or losing its essence to private interests.

Regarding joint strategies and limited resources, the Thackeray cousins announced their decision to forgo large rallies in favor of visiting shakhas (local party offices).

“We realized that holding massive meetings during workdays is challenging,” they acknowledged. “We have limited resources now. If we hold too many meetings, our ground energy will be depleted.”

They emphasized that the shakha is the backbone of their strength, advocating for a “Sau Sonar Ki, Ek Lohar Ki” approach—signifying that one decisive blow (at a joint rally next Sunday or Monday at Shivaji Park) is more impactful than several smaller events.

Uddhav Thackeray asserted that democracy in India is “under a ventilator.” He called for fresh elections in areas where candidates were allegedly elected unopposed through coercion. Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray expressed doubts about the current electoral process's transparency but vowed their “combined roar” would prevent any further “theft” of Mumbai.

Both Thackerays reiterated their commitment to the Marathi Manoos agenda and pledged to implement the “Vachan Nama” (Joint Manifesto) released earlier this week. Their promises include appointing a Marathi Mayor for Mumbai, providing monthly financial support of Rs 1,500 for women, and immediately focusing on desalination plants to resolve the city’s water issues.