Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray stated on Wednesday that the reputation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his supporters as “traitors” will never be erased, news agency PTI reported. In a speech to the annual Dussehra rally at the iconic Shivaji Park ground, Thackeray slammed Shinde, whose rebellion in June this year brought down the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government in the state.
“As time changes, Ravan’s face also changes. Today, it is the traitors (who are Ravan). When I was unwell and underwent a surgery, I had given the responsibility to him (Shinde). But he conspired against me thinking I will never stand up on my feet again,” the former chief minister said, reports PTI.
The Shiv Sena does not belong to one person, but to all loyal Sena workers, Thackeray said, adding, “If you believe I should not continue as Sena president, I will resign.”
“After the treachery, he now wants the party, its symbol, and to be called the party president,” Thackeray said of Shinde.
Earlier, Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held its Dussehra rally at the MMRDA ground in Mumbai. Shinde’s Dussehra rally is emulating a practice started by former Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray. Dussehra rally is a power show by Shinde to prove that Shiv Sena and the leaders who followed him constitute the real party.
Live from Shiv Sena’s Dussehra gathering https://t.co/0bq0yvlWul
— Eknath Shinde – Eknath Shinde (@mieknathshinde) October 5, 2022
Bal Thackeray’s son Jaidev Thackeray came to show his support and shared the stage with Shinde during the rally. Ahead of the rally, Shinde visited MMRDA Ground in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, last night to inspect the preparations for their Dussehra rally.
Maharashtra | Balasaheb Thackeray’s son Jaidev Thackeray comes to show his support and shares the stage with Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde during #Dussehra rally at Mumbai’s BKC ground pic.twitter.com/g7ofIb13Ce
— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2022
Buses were seen carrying supporters of the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena arriving at the ground for the rally, ANI reported.
Maharashtra | Buses carrying supporters of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) arrive at the MMRDA ground in Mumbai for the #Dussehra rally pic.twitter.com/JzSqsmxNsY
— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2022
Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena is set to hold a Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park at around 7 PM today.
Releasing a video on a social media platform, Maharashtra CM Shinde’s faction called in for people’s presence in numbers at Bombay Kurla Complex. It also mentioned that national issues would be discussed during the gathering and inspirational speeches would be given that would last as an oxygen supply for one whole year.
The teaser also stressed party workers and appreciation of their efforts, as reported by ANI.
Eknath Shinde on Sunday said that they will not challenge the Bombay High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court for allowing the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction to hold a Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
Earlier in June, Eknath Shindewho led a revolt against Shiv Sena which led to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, took oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
(With ANI Inputs)