Sena vs Sena showdown in Mumbai on Dussehra as poll fever rises

Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray's faction will hold Dussehra rallies in Mumbai to demonstrate strength ahead of Maharashtra assembly elections.

Updated on: Oct 12, 2024, 10:50:18 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Chief minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) will both hold Dussehra rallies in Mumbai on Saturday, aiming to show their strength ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections. The Shiv Sena (UBT) will rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar, while Shinde's faction will gather at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai.

Preparation underway for Shiv Sena (UBT) Dussehra rally, at Shivaji Park, Dadar, in Mumbai, India, on Friday, Oct 11. (Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo)

Shinde vs Thackeray: Show of strength at Dussehra rallies

Despite heavy rain on Thursday night, which left both venues muddy, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the rally would go on as planned. Shinde’s faction expects around 2 lakh attendees at Azad Maidan, and has booked 3,000 private buses to bring supporters to the venue.

Follow- Dussehra rallies live updates

Both factions have released teasers ahead of the rallies. Shinde's teaser shows a tiger, representing the Sena, tied to the Congress, with Shinde cutting the rope.

ALSO READ- ‘Vote jihad?’: Shiv Sena (UBT) questions salary hike for madrassa teachers in Maharashtra

The Shiv Sena (UBT) teaser focuses on protecting Maharashtra’s pride and criticises "traitors," referring to rebel MLAs. At his rally, Uddhav Thackeray is expected to target the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of splitting the Shiv Sena.

The rallies come just weeks before state elections, with the current assembly's term ending on November 26.

ALSO READ- Happy Dussehra 2024: Top 50 wishes, quotes, images, Facebook and WhatsApp status to share

Dussehra rallies hold key place in Shiv Sena

Dussehra rallies have been a key tradition for the Shiv Sena since the 1960s, originally led by party founder Bal Thackeray at Shivaji Park.

ALSO READ- Maharashtra asks Centre to confer Bharat Ratna on Ratan Tata, renames industry award after him

After the party split in 2022, the Uddhav-led faction continues to hold its rally at Shivaji Park, while Shinde's faction has shifted to Azad Maidan.

(Inputs from PTI)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.