Thackeray cousins hold first joint rally in Nashik, attack BJP

Uddhav started his speech saying he was happy as it was for the first time in several years that his brother was also on the same stage. (Express Photo)

Ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Maharashtra, cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray came together on the same stage for the first time in Nashik on Friday after formally announcing their alliance and launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP.

Nashik holds special importance for Raj as it was here that the MNS first came to power in the civic body in 2007.

Uddhav said the BJP gave tickets to leaders from other parties while ignoring loyal workers. “The BJP has become a party of outsiders,” he said. He also questioned the party’s commitment to Hindutva and criticised the decision to cut trees for a ‘sadhugram’ in Nashik.

Addressing the gathering, Raj alleged civic elections in the state were being influenced by money and pressure. He claimed in Kalyan-Dombivli, three members of the same family contesting from one ward were allegedly offered Rs 15 crore to ensure that the election was uncontested. “Where does this kind of money come from,” he asked.

Raj also questioned the delay in holding municipal elections, pointing out that the term of many civic bodies ended nearly four years ago. “The government must explain why elections were not held on time,” he said, adding that frequent party switches had created confusion in state politics.

Criticising the BJP’s rule in Nashik, Raj said big promises were made but little work was done. Referring to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said Nashik was “adopted” only in words. He also opposed the cutting of trees for Kumbh Mela-related works.

Both leaders spoke about the work done when their parties were in power in Nashik and Mumbai. Raj said during MNS rule, the Nashik Municipal Corporation became debt-free and no corruption charges were made during that period.