Not after power, but Opposition: Raj Thackeray

It is only the Opposition that can give justice to people, MNS chief says at first rally

October 11, 2019 01:55 am | Updated 10:14 am IST - Mumbai

Strong pitch: MNS president Raj Thackeray introduces Akhil Chitre, his party candidate for Bandra East, at Santacruz on Thursday.

Strong pitch: MNS president Raj Thackeray introduces Akhil Chitre, his party candidate for Bandra East, at Santacruz on Thursday.

In what could come as a surprise to voters, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Thursday demanded the leadership of the Opposition in the State, instead of seeking power.

“What this State needs today is nothing but a capable and strong Opposition. This might be the first time that a political leader is making this demand. But I am appealing to you to make me the Leader of Opposition. Today it is only the Opposition that can raise issues and give justice to people,” Mr. Thackeray said at his first public rally in Mumbai.

He said, “I know my limitations; I know what I can do and what I can’t. When it is within my capacity, and I am sure that the day will come soon, I will seek power from you all. But today, the State needs a strong Opposition who can slam the rulers.”

This was Mr. Thackeray’s first rally after the probe by the Enforcement Directorate in the alleged money laundering case at IL&FS. His scheduled rally in Pune on Wednesday was cancelled due to heavy rain.

While Mr. Thackeray had extensively campaigned in Maharashtra during the Lok Sabha polls criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his first speech for the Assembly elections did not mention any of the BJP leaders.

“Who will raise your questions? Who will put your problems in front of the government? The ruling party MLAs have no say whatsoever in any matter. People just come for the sake of votes and forget you for five years. If Opposition members sit with ruling parties then who will raise the voice?” he asked.

Referring to the PMC Bank scam, Mr. Thackeray said members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were running the bank. “Questions have been raised even over the functioning of judiciary. If the government and judiciary start working together then who will raise people’s issues?”

Mr. Thackeray, pointing to the cutting of trees at Aarey colony, said even judiciary gives orders favourable to the government. “The environment ministry belongs to the Shiv Sena. The Sena president could have stopped the tree-cutting. He says once he gets the power he will declare Aarey a jungle. Does he think we are a bunch of fools?” asked Mr. Thackeray at his second rally at Goregaon, adding he had suggested BPT land for the proposed Metro car shed.

Slamming the BJP for raking up Article 370 in State polls, Mr. Thackeray said scrapping of Article 370 is a good step but what does it have to do with the Maharashtra elections? “Who will speak about our issues? About unemployment? About farmer suicides?”

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