The Clash of Sena's Dussehra Rallies: Shinde’s Stance at Azad Maidan vs Thackeray’s Roar at Shivaji Park

Mumbai is all set for its two Shiv Sena Dussehra rallies on Tuesday. While Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will address the cadre from Azad Maidan, Uddhav Thackeray will speak from the Shivaji Park bastion.

Both factions of the Shiv Sena have released a video trailer of their rallies and have claimed that they are the “real Shiv Sena”, who are taking the legacy of Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray ahead.

In what is considered a Sena tradition, Balasaheb Thackeray in his Dussehra rally address used to give a programme to Shiv Sena party workers and ask them to implement that in their villages, cities and in towns. Balasaheb also used to make clear his position on current issues and guide workers by giving a political line to them.

What Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray will say will be of interest.

SHINDE FACTION EXPECTS 2 LAKH WORKERS AT VENUE

At least two lakh party workers are expected to attend Shinde’s rally – his second after the Shiv Sena split. Last year, the rally was organised at MMRDA Grounds in Bandra-Kurla Complex area of Mumbai. This year, the party has chosen Azad Maidan as the venue, given its proximity to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Consequently, party leaders are expecting crowds from across the state to attend.

Shinde Sena leader Naresh Mhaske said, “We expect approximately two lakh party workers to reach south Mumbai to listen to CM Eknath Shinde. This Dussehra rally will be in continuation of the tradition of the late Balasaheb Thackeray and will showcase the pride of vibrant Hindutva.”

SHINDE SENA’s PREP

Shiv Sena workers across will come in 5,200 buses. Also, around 8,000-10,000 Shiv Sainiks will come in small four-wheeler vehicles. Similarly, two special trains will be released from Vidarbha for this function. The party has made arrangements of refreshments at Vashi, Mulund, Padgha and Dahisar check post for workers coming to attend this rally.

Similar arrangements of refreshments have been made at the venue. The party has also made parking arrangements in south Mumbai. Shiv Sena workers arriving from Konkan will get down at Ballard Estate and park at GRP Commissioner’s Office Road in Carnac Bunder. The buses coming from Mumbai and Thane, will get off at Ballard Estate, with parking at Cotton Green.

Shiv Sainiks’ buses coming from Western Maharashtra will stop at Horniman Circle, while parking will be provided for those buses at Bhaucha Dhakka. Buses carrying party workers coming from Marathwada and Vidarbha will alight at Gate 11, with parking at Sewree BPT Parking.

For small four-wheelers, there will be parking at Vidhan Bhavan, NCPA and Manora MLA Niwas for vehicles coming from Mumbai-Thane and Konkan. Pick-up and drop will be available near the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in Colaba. For small vehicles coming from Western Maharashtra, there will be parking at Horniman Circle, Fort Lane and Ballard Estate and pick up and drop will be arranged at Horniman Circle. Also, for small vehicles coming from Marathwada and Vidarbha, there is parking at Dana Bandar, Roro Bhau Chak, Shivdi A Block BPT Road, pick up and drop gate no. 18.

Arrangements for parking and pickup and drop have been made in a way that the citizens are not disturbed and the rush can be planned properly.

With help from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Shiv Sena has also arranged for 50 doctors at Azad Maidan. Along with cardiac ambulances, regular ambulances have been kept ready. A team of fire brigade will also be at Azad Maidan.