Raj attacks Sena, Uddhav for ‘ruining’ Mumbai

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Monday launched a blistering attack on the Shiv Sena and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, ruling out the possibility of a reconciliation.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Monday launched a blistering attack on the Shiv Sena and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, ruling out the possibility of a reconciliation.

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Addressing a mammoth rally at Jamboree Maidan in Worli, Raj accused the ruling alliance of making a mess of the city. “Citizens have a wonderful chance on February 16 to rescue themselves from the clutches of the Sena, which has ruined the city,” he said.

His speech was largely directed at Uddhav and the “corruption in the civic body”.

Responding to Bal Thackeray’s offer in a TV interview on Sunday to take him back provided he made the first move, Raj said: “I am ready to take a hundred steps for Balasaheb, but not a single one for Uddhav.”

He alleged that the Sena used him only for his campaigning skills. “For two years, I stayed away from active politics and Balasaheb did not bother to contact me. Suddenly in 2004, he called saying prepare for a campaign.”Raj asked his uncle to introspect. “Am I the only one responsible for the Sena’s decline? Balasaheb should take Sena leaders to task and make them accountable.”

The MNS chief quoted figures of various expenses incurred by the civic body, alleging that they reek of corruption. “The Shivaji Park pool was closed for seven years and the expenses are highly inflated. The BMC has a budget of Rs 60 crore to fill potholes.”

Raj also briefly attacked the Congress, saying that Rahul Gandhi’s gesture of waving hands during road shows was like someone washing a tempo.