A political storm is brewing in Mumbai as the Sambhaji Brigade has raised significant objections to the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction’s potential nomination of former municipal councilor Pravina Morajkar for the Kurla constituency. Suhas Rane, Mumbai unit President, Sambhaji Brigade has accused Morajkar of exploiting the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to file baseless complaints against members of the Maratha community, prompting them to formally urge Shiv Sena leadership to reconsider her candidacy.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, the president of the Sambhaji Brigade’s Mumbai chapter highlighted the gravity of the situation. The Brigade alleges that during her tenure in office, Morajkar falsely accused over 11 individuals from the Maratha community of committing atrocities, ostensibly to harass them and tarnish their reputations.
The Atrocities Act, designed to protect marginalized communities from discrimination and violence, has become the focal point of this controversy. The Sambhaji Brigade claims that Morajkar has misused this protective law, leading to significant distress and outrage within the Maratha community. They argue that a candidate accused of weaponizing legal protections against a specific group should not be allowed to contest elections.
In light of these serious allegations, the Brigade has called for the Shiv Sena (UBT) to withdraw any plans to nominate Morajkar, warning that endorsing her could further alienate the Maratha community. The Brigade’s leaders contend that such a move would exacerbate tensions, particularly as the Maratha community has been actively advocating for their rights and recognition in the state.
This controversy comes at a crucial juncture as Maharashtra gears up for upcoming elections, igniting a broader discourse about the misuse of laws designed to protect vulnerable populations. The Maratha community, which constitutes a significant demographic in the state, is already on high alert regarding issues of legal and social justice, and the allegations against Morajkar have intensified these ongoing concerns.
As of now, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has not responded to the Sambhaji Brigade’s letter or the allegations levied against Morajkar. The outcome of this political discourse could have substantial implications for community relations in Maharashtra and the dynamics of the upcoming elections, making it a matter of considerable public interest. As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on the Shiv Sena’s next steps and the potential impact on their electoral strategy in Kurla and beyond.
