Pune: Raj Thackeray Slams State Politics at Kasba Rally, Backs MNS Candidate Ganesh Bhokare

Kasba Peth, 9th November 2024: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray delivered a scathing critique of Maharashtra’s current political climate during a campaign rally for MNS candidate Ganesh Bhokare in the Kasba constituency. Thackeray expressed his disdain for the state’s political maneuvering over the last five years, calling it “disgusting” and accusing leaders of being disloyal and opportunistic.

“It is not known who is sitting on whose lap,” Thackeray remarked, criticizing how alliances are formed for convenience. “Votes are sought in the name of one person, and power is enjoyed in any way one desires. If this continues, Maharashtra’s future will be bleak.” He went on to claim that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar is the architect of such political opportunism.

Thackeray questioned voters, “Are you going to elect the hand (Congress) that repeatedly insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and freedom fighter Veer Savarkar?” He asserted that while he is not seeking power for personal gain, his aim is to make Maharashtra prosperous, urging voters to give the MNS a chance.

The public meeting, held at Phadke Houd Chowk, was attended by key MNS figures including party spokespersons Avinash Abhyankar and Anil Shidore, MNS regional general secretary Ranjit Shirole, and Mahila Sena city president Vanita Vagaskar.

Thackeray highlighted the historical significance of Kasba, emphasizing the area’s deep connection with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his mother, Jijabai. “Kasba is not just any constituency for me. MNS was founded with the vision of Kasba Ganapati,” he said. However, he lamented the city’s current state, stating, “The city is suffering from a lack of planning. Growth doesn’t just mean building metro lines and flyovers.”

He accused sitting MLAs and MPs of lacking vision and said the city has become a burden due to their incompetence. “We must preserve our identity and not just shout slogans like ‘Jai Bhawani, Jai Shivaji,'” Thackeray emphasized.

Taking aim at the state’s political instability, Thackeray criticized the alliances formed post-2019 elections, particularly the unexpected coalition between Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena. “It’s outrageous that Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena became part of this government,” he said, referring to the 2022 split that saw Eknath Shinde break away from Uddhav Thackeray’s faction.

In a pointed attack on Uddhav Thackeray, Raj claimed that even as Chief Minister, Uddhav failed to realize that 40 MLAs were defecting. “The party went, the symbol went, and he just sat at home,” Raj mocked.

Raj Thackeray urged voters to elect MNS candidates across the state to correct the course of Maharashtra’s “misdirected” politics. He called Ganesh Bhokare a “noble, brave, and hardworking” candidate who would serve the people faithfully.

Ganesh Bhokare, addressing the rally, criticized the lack of development in Kasba despite having both BJP and Congress MLAs over the past 15 years. “The problems of old wada redevelopment and traffic congestion persist, forcing locals to migrate to the suburbs,” he said, pledging to change redevelopment rules if elected.

Other MNS leaders, including Ranjit Shirole and Adv. Ganesh Satpute, also spoke at the event.