Raj Thackeray to hold Gudi Padwa rally, NCP chief invited

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray will hold his annual “Gudi Padwa” rally on Saturday at 5 pm at Shivaji Park.

Mr Thackeray plans to talk about the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) “failures” and has gathered a lot of data for his presentations. According to close sources, he has also invited Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar.

The agenda of Mr Thackeray’s rally includes the Modi government’s fraudulent demonetisation decision among others.

“I will also question the BJP for making false promises about giving the Marathi language “aristocratic” status; failing to erect statues of Maharashtra’s great sons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Balasaheb Thackeray; failing to develop smart cities; fraudulent currency schemes and promises made by the PM,” said Mr Thackeray.

About Mumbai’s lifeline (local train), he said, “There is no need for the bullet train. Rather, increase security in Mumbai locals, especially for women; implement schemes that will benefit Mumbaikars; and reduce the rush of people during peak hours.”

He questioned why Maharashtra was getting a raw deal from the Centre despite having the highest number of taxpayers.

Hinting at the politics of big netas like Mr Modi and Amit Shah, he said, “We need to understand the betterment of ourselves.”

Although the reason for Pawar participating in the rally is being kept under wraps, there is already speculation in political circles about it. Just a few days ago, Mr Thackeray’s interview with Pawar triggered speculation of a possible alliance. Just when the rumours had died down, the rally has stoked speculation once again.