- By Yashashvi Tak
- Thu, 02 Oct 2025 08:21 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Shinde Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will hold rallies in Mumbai on the occasion of Dussehra on Thursday ahead of the municipal elections.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) will hold its annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar West from 5 pm, continuing the party’s tradition started by founder Bal Thackeray in 1966.
Senas Rally Details
Meanwhile, the Eknath Shinde-led faction will stage its rally at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon at 6 pm. The faction had initially planned to use Azad Maidan but shifted the venue due to waterlogging caused by heavy rain. Shinde has said the event will also feature an appeal for donations to support farmers and flood-affected families.
Both parties have said preparations are in full swing, with all arrangements already completed. Political observers note that these will be the last separate Dussehra rallies before the elections, as future events are expected to be held jointly with allies — Shinde Sena with the BJP and NCP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) with Congress and NCP (SP).
Both the rallies are being viewed as a final show of strength by both factions before the upcoming local body elections, especially the crucial BMC polls. Beyond attacking each other, the events are expected to project broader themes such as Marathi identity, flood relief, and development to mobilise public support.
Primary Focused Of Rally
Ahead of the rallies, Uddhav Thackeray announced that his speech would centre on the government’s handling of inflation, unemployment, and flood relief.
"This Dussehra rally will be the voice of the people, not just a cultural event," Thackeray said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, “This rally will be historic, while the other side’s meeting will only create smoke,” and accused Shinde of trying to appropriate Bal Thackeray’s legacy, claiming he “does not understand the late leader.”
For Shinde’s faction, the rally is being framed not only as a display of political strength but also as a demonstration of social commitment, especially on flood relief and support for farmers.
Shinde, addressing his supporters earlier, said, "While preserving the traditional grandeur of the Dussehra rally, we have also added an important aspect of social commitment this year. The purpose of this rally is not only a show of political power but also to collect relief funds for farmers and flood victims. This gathering will be dedicated to the farmers."
Mumbai Police Preparation
Both rallies are expected to draw huge crowds from Mumbai and nearby districts, though Shinde has asked workers from flood-hit areas to stay back and help with relief efforts. Mumbai Police have deployed over 19,000 personnel and planned road closures, traffic diversions, and tight security around Shivaji Park, Goregaon and other key locations.