A major political developments were seen in the politics of Maharashtra on Saturday, when Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin (MNS President) Raj Thackeray shared a platform for the first time after about 2 decades. This was the opportunity of the ‘Vijay Rally’ held at Worli Dome in Mumbai, which was organized by the state government as a celebration of the decision to withdraw the Government Order of the controversial Three Language Policy.
While this rally again brought the issue of Marathi Asmita and language rights to the center, on the other hand the upcoming Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also heated the market of speculation about the possible alliance in elections and other local bodies.
This rally in Worli was described as ‘non-political’, but in the entire program, the echo of Marathi self-respect, cultural identity and ‘imposing’ was clearly heard. While Raj Thackeray gave a scathing speech on the rights of Marathi people, Uddhav Thackeray attacked Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s statement of ‘Jai Gujarat’ and BJP’s divisive politics.
Uddhav definitely indicated solidarity from the stage, but Raj Thackeray took vigilance on the alliance and did not give any direct indication. Despite this, Thackeray Brothers coming together on stage were a political message for their supporters and opponents.
If there is an alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, it can change many equations in Maharashtra politics. Especially in Marathi-Bahul urban areas like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Thane, where both parties have strong support base. In areas like Worli, Sevari, Lalbagh, Parel, Wadala, Bhaiyakhala, Bhandup, Vikroli and Chembur, this synergy can have a great impact, these are areas where there is a tough competition between these two parties. The arrival of Thackeray Brothers will strengthen his vote bank, which can give him a tremendous lead in these areas.
However, this alliance will not be easy. The ideologies of both parties, organizational structures and the rivalry of the past have been different. Many challenges can come up from seat sharing to leadership issues. The two leaders have to eliminate internal dissatisfaction and competitive ambitions to come together. Worli’s rally, in fact, was also a litmus test whether the Thackeray brothers can unite Marathi public opinion.
If the Thackeray brothers form an alliance, then it can have far -reaching consequences on the political scenario of Maharashtra. Interestingly, if the alliance of Thackeray brothers units Marathi votes, then the BJP can get an indirect benefit. In such a situation, pro-Hindutva vote can go towards BJP, which has a lot of influence in urban Maharashtra. It can weaken the electoral possibilities of the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde and to some extent the Congress, which are both dependent on the part of the Marathi vote.
The comprehensive Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, including Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar -led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), may also face unrest. Raj Thackeray’s vocal opposition to installing loudspeakers on mosques – a stance that has raised controversy, can isolate minority voters, a major support base for Congress and NCP (SP). This may cause MVA’s consolidated minority vote bank to cause tension within the alliance and its electoral strategy can be complicated.
Apart from this, the closeness of the Thackeray brothers can also become a headache for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The comments made about loudspeakers in Raj Thackeray’s mosques can cause minority voters angry and is isolated. Which are important for Congress and NCP (Sharad faction). Due to this, the minority vote bank of MVA can collapse, due to which there is a possibility of bursting in MVA.
The Thackeray brothers have tried to re -try their core vote bank by celebrating the decision to unite on the issue of Marathi pride and end the three language policy. In fact, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray had strongly opposed the three language policy, after which the Fadnavis government stopped this policy. It was introduced as the state’s cultural identity victory, which further enhanced the emotional connection with the Marathi voters.
However, while following this path of identity-based politics, they will also have to keep the multilingual and multi-caste social fabric of Maharashtra in balance. As the municipal elections are coming closer, everyone’s eyes are now on the next strategy of the Thackeray brothers whether it will be limited to sharing only one platform or in reality a new alliance will begin in Maharashtra politics?
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