Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray made his first campaign outing in Mumbai on Sunday, canvassing for the Shiv Sena’s candidate from Mumbai South constituency Arvind Sawant.
Over 150 Sena workers rallied across the city on bikes. The road show that was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at Gaurishankar Marg in Parel was delayed due to a power outage. After starting at 11.45 a.m., the rally made its way from Parel to Sewri, before concluding at Dr. Shirodkar Marg in Parel.
Making his way through Lalbaug, Mr. Thackeray headed to Bhivaji Rao Park amidst chants of ‘ Apla Manus’ or our man.
He also indulged in a friendly game of cricket with locals at the park.
Later, at an interactive session at Bombay Presidency Radio Club, Mr. Thackeray and Mr. Sawant heard the grievances of people. But before addressing the gathering, Mr. Thackeray asked the audience to stand in silence for two minutes remembering the innocent lives lost in the Sri Lanka blasts.
Mr. Thackeray appealed to everyone to cast their vote. “It is the most important weapon in our democracy. For five years, politicians speak their mind and do not listen. It is the only time when we have to hear from you. I think it is very important that you make all of us accountable today.”
In his argument about how voting for Mr. Sawant can be beneficial, the Yuva Sena chief said he [Mr. Sawant] is not only the representative of Mumbaikars in Parliament, but also strengthens the chain of the Central, State, and local governments as they are all governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party of which the Sena is an ally.
Residents of Colaba, Fort and Darukhana raised the issue of the Mumbai Port Trust ( MbPT) land. They alleged that the high ready reckoner rates imposed by the MbPT can not be afforded by residents of smaller houses, who have not been taken into consideration and, therefore, have to suffer. “Rest assured I am your voice. I will see to it that my Colaba residents will not be harassed in the name of development,” Mr. Sawant said.
According to a majority of the people gathered, they are concerned about the misuse of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants), Act 1971 by the MbPT and demanded that the act be scrapped by the government. Mr. Thackeray assured them that their voices will be heard. Calling them ‘bhoomiputra’ or the ‘sons of the soil,’ Mr. Thackeray promised to stand with them and, if need be, take to the streets for their rights.
After the interaction, Mr. Thackeray re-joined the bike rally at Sewri.
