Mumbai 3rd September : The historic Shivaji Park ground here has become the latest source of contention between two competing Shiv Sena factions, both trying to organize the calendar’s annual event the Dassehra Rally.The Shiv Sena President and ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray faces opposition from the rebel faction headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the Raj Thacekray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is toying with the idea of an event at Shivaji Park.
The annual mega-rally, which is held on Vijaya Dashami or Dassehra Day each year is believed to be a litmus-test against the Shiv Sena and Shinde Group’s assertions that it is the real Shiv Sena’.
Both parties have approached the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for permission to stage a public rally on the 5.
Rajya Sabha MP Anil Desai close to Thackeray has requested approval for the sake of the Shiv Sena, while Dadar MLA Sada Sarvankar has filed an application on behalf of the Shinde Group.
If asked, CM Shinde skirted a direct response and stated: “There is still time to do it.The country is currently enjoying Ganeshotsav and Anant Chaturdashi.Then Navratri and Dassehra will be coming.Do I know how can I tell what’s coming? You will be able to find out in some time.”
Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar said that while anyone is entitled to hold a rally in Shivaji Park, he urged Shinde “to not take a confrontational method” with the Opposition.
Shiv Sena’s former mayor Kishori Pednekar has slammed the turncoats, saying they’re suffering from a ‘Ghajini syndrome’ refers to 2008’s blockbuster with Aamir Khan in which he suffers from a rare form of amnesia.
“They try to erase the history.
They have forgotten that it was the Shiv Sena that began the tradition and was holding the annual Dassehra rallies in Shivaji Park from 1966.They are trying to fuel the situation of law-and-order,” said Pednekar agitatedly.
In the hope of cashing in these sentiments MNS Spokesperson Sandip Deshpande stated on Saturday that many party supporters want Raj Thackeray speak at the rally next year, but he said the final decision would be made by the party’s chieftain.
The NCP’s leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar said since they (Shinde Group) have the power and will do whatever it takes to secure Shivaji Park for their rally and it’s possible both (Thackeray and Shinde) could be given the venue for two rallies.
The spokesperson for Shiv Sena’s party Dr.Manisha Kayande, senior leader Ambadas Danve and others have condemned the Shinde Group for attempting to take over the traditions started by late Balasaheb Thaceray.
The Shiv Sena on the 19th of June 1966.Balasaheb Thackeray was the first to hold his first Dassehra Rally at Shivaji Park also called the “Cradle of Indian Cricket’ and from then on it became his most cherished event.
Over the past 55 years, it’s been an unbroken tradition, with only two times, in 2006 owing to torrential rains and in 2009 due to the clash with the Assembly elections.It’s it is a must-attend event for everyone who Shiv Sainiks in the state.
After Balasaheb Thackeray’s passing on the 17th of November in 2012, he was accorded a public funeral with his final rites being performed in the corner of his favorite location with many lakhs in attendance.
In 2020 the Dassehra event was held online , and in 2021 it was held at the Shanmukhananda Hall, addressed by the former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, due to coronavirus restrictions.
However, this year he has whipped the whip of the Shiv Sena to make full preparations for Shivaji Park — a only a few steps away from Sena Bhavan which has been the party’s famous headquarters since 1977.
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