Mumbai, 19th September 2022: The situation has not been completely cleared for Shiv Sena’s Dussehra rally in Mumbai, but it is believed that party chief Uddhav Thackeray may once again address the workers at Shivaji Park. Reportedly, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction has acquired Bandra Kurla Complex, BKC ground. However, the leaders of the rebel group say that they wanted to hold the rally in Shivaji Park itself.
Tension arose between the two groups regarding the Dussehra rally to be held on 5th October. Applications were also filed in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on behalf of both parties, but the BMC has not yet officially responded. There were reports that BMC is taking legal advice in this matter. On Saturday, Thackeray said that if he does not get permission, he can approach the court.
Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant of the Thackeray faction said, “They (Shinde camp) have got permission from MMRDA for BKC ground. MMRDA has allotted it to him, as he had applied for it earlier. If so, we had applied for Shivtirth earlier; hence, we should get immediate permission to use it.”
Shinde supporters say they are ready to hold a rally at Shivaji Park. There was speculation that many more leaders and elected representatives may join the Shinde camp during the rally. Shinde faction spokesperson Sheetal Mhatre said, “We are yet to get information officially…. We have been told that our letter has been accepted. But we want to organize it at Shivaji Park. Traditionally Dussehra rallies take place in Shivaji Park; our first priority is Shivaji Park. Former Thane Mayor Naresh Mhaske said he had applied for BKC Maidan, but he wanted to hold the event at Shivaji Maidan. Even though the BKC ground has been allotted to us, we want to organize our rally at Shivaji Park.”