Senas plan show of strength at Dussehra rallies — last ahead of local body elections

Both parties said preparations are in full swing, with all arrangements completed.

Political observers noted that these are the last Dussehra rallies before the elections and that future rallies would be joint affairs with allies — Shinde Sena with the BJP and NCP, and Sena (UBT) with Congress and NCP (SP).

Uddhav is also expected to outline his position on a possible alliance with Raj Thackeray’s MNS, though no formal announcement is anticipated.

The rallies are scheduled to begin and end around the same time, with both leaders likely to take potshots at each other, asserting their claim as the “real Shiv Sena”. Both Shinde and Uddhav will be the primary speakers, while allies are unlikely to address the gatherings.
Uddhav is also likely to address the party workers outlining his position for the upcoming civic body polls and ask the party workers to start campaigning.

Historically, the Dussehra rallies have been a point of contention. In 2022, the Bombay High Court allowed the Uddhav-led Sena to hold its rally at Shivaji Park after the BMC initially rejected both factions’ applications. In 2023, the Shinde faction withdrew its application to avoid a clash and has not applied to hold rallies at Shivaji Park since.

Ahead of the rally, Shinde on Tuesday urged workers from flood-hit areas to stay back and assist the affected people, allowing only workers from Mumbai, Thane, and neighbouring areas to attend. Meanwhile, Sena (UBT) functionaries said setting up the stage at Shivaji Park has been challenging due to heavy rain, though no decision has been taken to shift the event indoors.

On MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s potential participation in the rally, Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said discussions are ongoing. “Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have come together. There can be an ideological exchange on Dussehra. Ours is not the Sangh gathering. The tradition of Shiv Sena is never broken,” he said.

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