Mumbai: Posing a new counter-challenge to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Yuva Sena president Aditya Thackeray who is in Shiv Sena stronghold of Konkan region as part of his Jana Ashirwad Yatra on Monday, remarked that he was seeking the blessings and support of the people for the creation of “Nava Maharashtra” (new Maharashtra). In an oblique sarcastic reference to the Fadnavis MahaJanadesh Yatra traversing through assembly constituencies and clocking that may miles, the Yuva Sena president remarked “I am not calculating how many kilometers or assembly constituencies I have covered. I am looking at the love and blessings that I am getting”.
Articulating his vision of New Maharashtra, the Yuva Sena president stated that this Nava Maharashtra shall be free of unemployment, free of debt burden, pollution free, prosperous, green, safe and secure. “If a Nava Maharashtra is to be created then it needs Education and Health. Will you give me your blessings for a Nava Maharashtra which is educated, prosperous, debt free, free of unemployment, pollution free, safe and secure”, remarked Thackeray.
Critics argue that Aditya Thackeray is building counter narrative to Fadnavis who is seeking votes on the basis of his claims of having done development works. His assertion of creating a new Maharashtra is aimed at striking a chord with the youth and people on a range of issues that affect them.
Clarifying that his Jana Ashirwad Yatra was not political, Thackeray stated that so far he has covered about 4,500 Kms and covered more than 90 plus assembly constituencies. He however added that he was not keeping a watch on how many miles he has travelled or constituencies he has covered. The Thackeray scion stated that he was wandering through the villages to express gratitude to all those who had given their support to the Sena in the recent Lok Sabha polls and win over who did not vote for the Sena. He said that Shiv Sena is the only party which after the elections has undertaken such a Yatra to thank the people of the state for their overwhelming support.
