This is an archive article published on April 4, 2023
As Shiv Sena (UBT) dominates MVA rally, speculations rife over Uddhav Thackeray leading alliance
A better chair was also kept for Uddhav on the dais while normal chairs were placed for other parties' leaders, including former chief minister Ashok Chavan.
As Shiv Sena (UBT) dominates MVA rally, speculations rife over Uddhav Thackeray leading alliance
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With the Shiv Sena (UBT) dominating the first joint rally, since it lost power, of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar on Sunday, where the Sena (UBT) president took the centrestage, speculations are rife on Uddhav Thackeray leading the alliance in the run-up to upcoming polls in the state.
The dominance of the Sena (UBT) in Sunday’s rally was evident, starting from the arrangements with a gigantic picture of Uddhav placed centrally on the stage with traditional Shiv Sena-style saffron-color background and Sena flag in the middle of the stage with other leaders’ smaller photos on both sides.
Uddhav also took the centrestage in the rally beginning with a grand entry. A better chair was also kept for Uddhav on the dais while normal chairs were placed for other parties’ leaders, including former chief minister Ashok Chavan. While all the leaders from the Congress and NCP arrived on the stage around 6 pm, Uddhav arrived around 7.30 pm to a grand entry accompanied by fireworks. He was the main speaker of the rally followed by Chavan and Ajit Pawar. While almost all the other speakers spoke for a limited time, Uddhav spoke for over 40 minutes showing his dominance in the rally.
Many mostly from the Congress and NCP even expressed their displeasure over the “special” treatment and dominance of the Sena (UBT) in the rally.
Political observers said that the centrally placed mammoth picture of Uddhav on the stage was enough for everyone to make out that the rally was dominated by the Sena (UBT). This has also set off discussions in political circles if Uddhav will be the face and leader of the MVA from now on.
“Uddhav has led the MVA as CM and has managed to build his image for the work he did in the two and a half years of the MVA government. Apart from that, after the split in the Shiv Sena, which is said to have been engineered by the BJP, he has been taking an aggressive stand against the BJP as well as the Shinde faction and currently there is a wave of sympathy for him in the state so it is possible that it could be the strategy of the MVA to let Uddhav lead the alliance,” Dr Sanjay Patil, a political observer from University of Mumbai who has traced the Sena between 1985 and 2022 for his doctoral work, said.
MVA leaders, however, clarified that since the responsibility for preparations for the rallies has been distributed among the allies and as the task of making preparations for the Sambhaji Nagar rally was with the Sena (UBT), hence the stage was set up and managed in the style of the Sena (UBT). “The next rally will be held in Nagpur and Amravati and the Congress will be responsible for the preparations there. The Congress will set up the stage their own way and the NCP will hold the next rally in Pune in its own way,” an MVA leader said.
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He, however, did not deny the possibility of Uddhav leading the MVA.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
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Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
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Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
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