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by IANS |
Mumbai, Jan 17 (IANS) A day after the party's rout in the elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and other 28 civic bodies, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday declared that the fight will continue for the 'Marathi Manoos', for the Marathi language, for Marathi identity, and for a prosperous Maharashtra.
He also asked the party's elected members to stand firmly with the Marathi Manoos despite attempts by the ruling alliance to "harass" them.
In his post on X, Raj Thackeray, who contested 53 seats in an alliance with the Shiv Sena-UBT in BMC elections, said, "With love, Jai Maharashtra. First and foremost, heartfelt congratulations to all the elected corporators of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena. This election was not an easy one. It was a battle of tremendous money power and the power of authority against Shivshakti. Yet even in such a fight, the workers of both parties gave an excellent battle. Their praise can never be enough."
He said, "It is saddening that MNS did not achieve the expected success this time, but that does not mean we are the kind to lose heart and give up. The corporators who have been elected will more than hold their own against the ruling powers right there on the ground. And if anything is seen to be happening against the Marathi Manoos, they will surely bring those in power to their knees."
Raj Thackeray further stated, "Our fight is for the Marathi Manoos, for the Marathi language, for Marathi identity, and for a prosperous Maharashtra. This fight itself is our very existence. All of you are well aware that such struggles are long-term in nature. Whatever went wrong, whatever was left undone, wherever we fell short, and what needs to be done - we will all together analyse it and take action."
He went on to add, "Actually, there is no need to even tell you this, but still I will say it: whether in the MMR region or across the entire state, the ruling powers and those who have gone under their shelter will not leave a single opportunity to harass and exploit the Marathi Manoos. Therefore, we must stand firmly behind our Marathi Manoos."
The MNS chief said, "Elections will come and go, but we must never forget that our very breath is Marathi. See you soon. Let us get back to work once again. Let us rebuild our party and organisation afresh!!! Your humble, Raj Thackeray."
Raj Thackeray's reaction comes after the party won merely six seats, one less than in the 2017 elections.
Incidentally, AIMIM outpaced MNS in BMC polls by winning a record eight seats.
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