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The political landscape of Maharashtra is heating up as the upcoming elections draw closer. In a display of unity, key opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Aaditya Thackeray, and NCP's Supriya Sule, joined forces at a Congress-organized Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) event. The event, titled "saving the Constitution", held at Nariman Point on Sunday, aimed to bring attention to the perceived threat to India's fundamental law and highlight the opposition's stance against the ruling BJP's political actions.
Drawing heavily on the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, the speakers condemned the BJP's alleged divisive politics and the political unrest in the state. They also emphasized their commitment to empowering women by reiterating their promise to increase the Ladki Bahin Yojna payout from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. The Ladki Bahin Yojna, a government scheme designed to benefit women in the state, has become a key point of contention in the political debate, with the opposition using it to showcase their support for women's welfare.
Aaditya Thackeray, in a speech that received enthusiastic applause, declared that the Constitution is not just a book but the very breath of the nation. He accused the BJP of opposing the Constitution because it was drafted by Dr. Ambedkar and of harboring animosity towards the community he belonged to. Thackeray, while acknowledging his party's Hindutva ideology, asserted that their Hindutva is different from that of the BJP, which he accused of dividing people on religious lines. He emphatically stated that for his party, the Constitution is the first book and India is the first religion, a belief instilled in him by his grandfather.
Thackeray went on to criticize the BJP's role in toppling the Uddhav Thackeray-led alliance government in Maharashtra, an action he described as the start of the fight to save the Constitution. He expressed frustration with the prolonged legal proceedings regarding the case, lamenting the delay in justice. He further criticized the lack of elected representatives in urban local bodies, such as the BMC, across the state, attributing this to "crony capitalism" that favors Adani's business interests.
Supriya Sule addressed concerns about the potential discontinuation of the Ladki Bahin Yojna, assuring the people that the scheme will not be taken away and that, under their leadership, women will receive Rs 3,000. Sule used powerful imagery, comparing the opposition's fight for the Constitution to the strength and resilience of the "mashal" (torch) and "tutari" (trumpet). She emphasized that while the recent court battle revolved around party symbols, the fundamental issue at stake is morality.
Mallikarjun Kharge, concluding the event, read the preamble of the Constitution and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all sections of society, particularly those marginalized. He pledged to fight against divisive politics, aligning his stance with the broader message of unity and constitutional protection that the opposition leaders sought to convey. This event served as a platform for the opposition to consolidate their message and appeal to the electorate on the grounds of inclusivity, social justice, and constitutional values.
Source: Maharashtra Opposition Leaders Unite to Protect Constitution and Enhance Women's Benefits