Shiv Sena and MNS Unite for Protest Against Thane Governance

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have announced a joint protest scheduled for October 13, aimed at addressing allegations of corruption and misgovernance within the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). This collaboration has sparked discussions regarding a potential alliance for the forthcoming civic elections.

During a joint press conference, MNS leader Avinash Jadhav and former Member of Parliament Rajan Vichare of the Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the TMC for its handling of civic issues, claiming it is plagued by rampant corruption and neglect of essential infrastructure. They highlighted persistent problems in Thane, including severe traffic congestion, unauthorized constructions, stalled development projects, and a general lack of administrative responsiveness.

Vichare pointedly criticized Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who represents Thane, stating, “Despite having a Rs 3,000 crore budget, the TMC is in debt. The city still lacks a dedicated dam for drinking water.” His remarks underscored the disconnect between budget allocations and actual civic services.

Jadhav reinforced the unity of their fight, asserting, “From now on, our fight will be united. The next elections won’t be won with money, but with public support and the truth about corruption.” Both leaders confirmed that local units of the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by the Sharad Pawar faction, would also participate in the protest, indicating broader opposition to TMC’s governance.

The announcement comes on the heels of a meeting between the two party leaders on October 5, marking their fifth public interaction since July. As civic elections for Thane and other municipal bodies approach, the collaboration may signal a shift in political dynamics.

In a related development, Uddhav Thackeray addressed party workers outside his residence in Bandra, where he criticized Shinde’s administration. He remarked that some individuals are “wearing blindfolds,” suggesting a need to redefine true Hindutva and patriotism. Thackeray pointedly mentioned the government’s failure to adequately address the plight of flood-affected farmers, calling recent financial assistance a “deceit.”

Thackeray is scheduled to participate in a protest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Saturday, aimed at highlighting the inadequacies of the financial package offered to farmers impacted by severe weather conditions. His remarks reflect ongoing frustrations within the region regarding government accountability and support for citizens in distress.

The upcoming protest on October 13 not only serves as a platform for the two parties to voice their grievances against the TMC but also represents the potential for political realignment ahead of crucial civic elections.