Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) has decided to hold its traditional Dussehra gathering at Shivaji Park, regardless of rainfall. Despite the Meteorological Department's prediction of week-long rain, the Thackeray group has begun preparations, including setting up a grand stage and seating for Shiv Sainiks and dignitaries.
The Dussehra gathering at Shivaji Park has been a tradition for 58 years. In the past, it was canceled in 2006 due to heavy rain, postponed in 2009 due to the assembly election code of conduct, and held indoors at the Savarkar Memorial during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Since the party split in 2022, both factions, Shiv Sena (Thackeray) and Shiv Sena (Shinde) have held separate Dussehra gatherings. Initially, the Shinde faction also requested Shivaji Park, but later agreed to hold its event at Azad Maidan.
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhyay advised Uddhav Thackeray to cancel the Dussehra rally and donate the funds to flood victims, criticising Thackeray’s past inaction as Chief Minister. In response, Shiv Sena questioned why similar advice was not given to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, whose rally in Nagpur involved significant expenditure. Thackeray faction spokesperson Harshal Pradhan argued that if cancellation is being suggested, it should apply equally to the RSS event.