Is Rudali Really the Voice of Maharashtra? Uddhav Thackeray's Saamana Critiques CM Fadnavis

Mumbai, July 7 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed its disapproval on Monday regarding Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis referring to party chief Uddhav Thackeray's speech as ‘Rudali (professional mourner)' during a joint 'victory rally' with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena founder Raj Thackeray.

This rally took place on Saturday in Mumbai to commemorate what they assert was a triumph following the CM's decision to revoke two Government Resolutions that had introduced Hindi as a third language in the state's primary schools.

In a scathing critique, the Thackeray faction, through the party's publication 'Saamana', stated that if CM Devendra Fadnavis perceives a substantial assembly of Marathi individuals in Mumbai as 'Rudaali', then he should persist with his 'Rudaali'. They emphasized, 'Fadnavis' Rudaali is not the voice of Maharashtra and the Marathi populace.'

“There exists a form of 'Rudaali' in Rajasthan, Haryana, Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, etc. When a tragic incident occurs, such as a death, women are hired to mourn at wealthy individuals’ homes, crying, beating their chests, and wailing for payment. It is offensive for Fadnavis to equate the Marathi identity, which celebrates 'Marathi' victories, with women who are paid to weep at funerals,” the editorial articulated.

The editorial went on to assert, “Fadnavis and his party possess vast wealth through plunder. Consequently, they can afford to pay people to cry, laugh, and cheer at Modi's events. A genuinely self-respecting Marathi individual does not engage in compromising their dignity; they cherish the Marathi language, literature, history, and its inherent strength.”

The 'Saamana' editorial elaborated on Maharashtra's traditions, referencing poet Govind, who showcased his talent against British oppression, Lokmanya Tilak, who authored impactful editorials against British rule in the 'Kesari' newspaper, and other notable figures who fought for the Marathi identity such as Swatantryaveer Savarkar, and Balasaheb Thackeray, who used cartoons to challenge Maharashtra's adversaries and established the 'Shiv Sena' to combat injustices faced by the Marathi community.

“The BJP and its affiliates do not align with this legacy; hence they trivialize Maharashtra's strength by labeling it as 'Rudaali'. Narendra Modi's 'Rudaali' has been prevalent across the nation for the past decade. Even after gaining power, they continue to target Pandit Nehru and Gandhi to distract from their own shortcomings,” the Thackeray camp claimed.