Shiv Sena rally today, Uddhav Thackeray may raise Ram temple issue

Sena leaders said the party chief will again raise the issue of construction of Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. “He will also make his intentions clear about the possibility of an alliance,” said a Sena leader.

Written by Manoj Dattatrye More

Pune | Updated: December 24, 2018 01:06 PM IST

3 min read

Poll results show yearning for 'BJP-mukt' regime: Shiv Sena

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray may make an announcement on alliance with BJP, sources said.

Today, all eyes are on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, as he holds a ‘maha rally’ in Pandharpur, where he is likely to make an important announcement on a pre-poll alliance with his party’s long-term partner, the BJP. But, with the Shiv Sena showing no signs of relenting and continuing its attacks on the BJP and the Prime Minister, the party is taking no chances and increasingly feeling that it should be ‘battle-ready’, said top sources in the BJP.

At a meeting held in Mumbai four days ago, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis apparently asked sitting MLAs, ministers and even corporators to hold a slew of programmes in the constituencies represented by the Shiv Sena, in a bid to remain in the limelight and get ready for the elections next year, in case no pre-poll alliance works out.

BJP state spokesperson Madhav Bhandari refused to comment on either the party’s strategy or its preparedness. MLA Laxman Jagtap said if the BJP nominates him to contest from Maval, he would surely ensure a victory for the party. “The reason for this is the changed scenario after the 2014 Lok Sabha election. The BJP has won every other election in Maval and its strength has gone up,” he said.

“I am ready…If the alliance takes place, it is good. Further, the seat should be allotted to the BJP as the public mood is in favour of the party,” said Jagtap, whose banners and posters can be seen all over the constituency.

In Shirur constituency, sitting MLA Mahesh Landge has already put up banners and posters that proclaim him as a “future MP.” His brother Kartik Landge said they were waiting for the final go-ahead from the party.

BJP has also apparently asked District Guardian Minister Girish Bapat to get ready for the electoral battle. However, Bapat said he will not comment on this matter. “I will do whatever the party tells me to do,” he said. PCMC corporator Seema Savale, who is already campaigning in Amravati, which is represented by Shiv Sena’s Anandrao Adsul, said, “We are holding several programmes in the constituency. If the party tells me to contest, I am ready… we have laid the the groundwork for the contest”.

Similarly, BJP sources in other constituencies, such as Aurangabad and Osmanabad, said the party has asked local MLAs to get ready. Meanwhile, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray is slated to hold his “maha-rally” in Pandharpur on Monday, the second rally after the one he held in Ayodhya. Sena leaders said the party chief will again raise the issue of the construction of Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. “He will also make his intentions clear about the possibility of an alliance,” said a Sena leader.

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Nearly four lakh Shiv Sainiks from across Maharashtra are expected to gather in Pandharpur for the rally.

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

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Ram temple Ayodhya Uddhav Thackeray