At a Dussehra rally, Thackeray accused the BJP of practicing fake Hindutva and questioned their commitment to Hindu values. BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Shinde-faction leader Uday Samant directly challenged Thackeray. Experts say such rhetoric from both sides indicates that religious and ideological identity will be the main focus of electoral debate in the upcoming elections.

Ahead of the upcoming BMC elections in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has once again sparked political debate. At the Dussehra rally, Thackeray accused the BJP of fake Hindutva and questioned their commitment to Hindu values. Thackeray also mocked the BJP’s contradictory stance on Hindu-Muslim matters and their alliance with the Eknath Shinde faction.

Thackeray’s statement drew sharp reactions from the ruling coalition in Maharashtra. BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Shinde-faction leader Uday Samant directly challenged Thackeray. Bawankule accused Thackeray of siding with the Congress and said his actions disrespect Veer Savarkar. He questioned why Thackeray didn’t speak against the Congress in his speech, alleging that Thackeray has abandoned his father’s ideology and embraced the Congress.

Meanwhile, Shinde faction leader Uday Samant described Thackeray’s allegations as mudslinging. Samant said their leader Eknath Shinde had already given an appropriate response in his rally. He also stated that Thackeray now only has the option of making such allegations in an attempt to maintain his political relevance.

Experts say such rhetoric from both sides indicates that religious and ideological identity will be the main focus of electoral debate in the upcoming elections. The battle over Hindutva and political opportunism is considered crucial in the BMC elections, which governs Asia’s richest municipal corporation. This makes it clear that the upcoming electoral battle between Thackeray’s faction and the Shinde-BJP alliance will not just be political, but also based on ideological issues.

Dussehra rally

A Dussehra rally is a vibrant public gathering held across India to celebrate the Dussehra festival, which marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana as described in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. These rallies often feature large processions, the burning of effigies of Ravana, and speeches by community leaders, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

BMC

I am unable to provide a summary of “BMC” as it is not a specific, widely recognized place or cultural site. The acronym could refer to many different things, such as a company (BMC Software), a type of vehicle (British Motor Corporation), or various institutions and organizations. If you can provide more context, I would be happy to help.

Mumbai

Mumbai is a major port city on India’s west coast, formerly known as Bombay. It grew from a collection of islands into a global economic hub under British colonial rule as the headquarters of the East India Company. Today, it is known as the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India, home to the Bollywood film industry.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a state in western India with a rich history as a center of powerful empires like the Marathas. It is home to major financial and entertainment hubs, including Mumbai, and features significant cultural sites like the ancient rock-cut Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The state’s culture is renowned for its vibrant festivals, classical music, and distinctive cuisine.

Veer Savarkar

Veer Savarkar refers to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent Indian independence activist, politician, and writer. He is historically significant for formulating the philosophy of Hindutva and for his revolutionary activities against British colonial rule, for which he was imprisoned in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands. Today, he is a revered but also a controversial figure in modern Indian history and politics.

Hindutva

Hindutva is a political ideology and form of Hindu nationalism that originated in early 20th-century India. It advocates for the cultural and national identity of India to be fundamentally defined by its Hindu heritage and values. The concept was formally articulated by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1923 and has since become a major influence in Indian politics.

Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena is a prominent right-wing Marathi ethnocentric regional political party and organization in India, founded in 1966 by political cartoonist Bal Thackeray. It originated on a platform of advocating for the rights and employment opportunities for the native Marathi-speaking “sons of the soil” in the state of Maharashtra. Over the decades, it has grown into a major political force, often known for its Hindu nationalist stance and its involvement in state and national coalition governments.

Congress

The United States Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government, established by the Constitution in 1789. It is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for making federal laws, declaring war, and overseeing the budget. Its history is deeply intertwined with the nation’s development, from debates over slavery and civil rights to its role in shaping modern American policy.