Special Correspondent
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has hinted at contesting upcoming local body elections, including the crucial Mumbai Municipal Corporation polls, independently. However, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) president Sharad Pawar, in a measured response, stated that he doesn’t believe Thackeray will take an extreme stand on this matter. Pawar also confirmed having discussed the issue with Thackeray recently.
Speaking at a rally in Andheri on the occasion of Balasaheb Thackeray’s birth anniversary, Uddhav Thackeray hinted at his party’s intention to contest the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and other local body elections solo. He claimed to have consulted party leaders and office-bearers from Mumbai, Nashik, and Aurangabad, and the consensus was to go it alone.
Commenting on this, Sharad Pawar said, “Both factions of the Shiv Sena have the right to commemorate Balasaheb Thackeray. However, when you compare the rallies, it’s evident that Uddhav Thackeray’s event drew a larger crowd.” When asked about Thackeray’s solo election plans, Pawar added, “Two days ago, Uddhav Thackeray met me. We had a detailed discussion on this and other topics. His recent comments reflect his thoughts, but I don’t believe he will take an extreme position on this.”
In his speech, Uddhav Thackeray had declared, “The municipal elections are nearing. I have spoken to our leaders and workers in Mumbai, Nashik, and Aurangabad. Everyone believes we should fight alone. We have the strength to show Amit Shah his place. Let the elections be declared, and we’ll demonstrate our readiness. I will make decisions based on the confidence and preparation of our workers.”
