BJP Urges Uddhav Thackeray to Cancel Dussehra Rally, Use Funds for Flood Relief

Maharashtra BJP’s chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye on Monday urged Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to cancel his party’s annual Dussehra rally and divert the expenses towards relief measures for flood-hit Marathwada.

    Cancel rally, aid floods

In a sharp attack, Upadhye accused Thackeray of failing to act decisively during his tenure as chief minister, alleging that he “remained at home” even during crises. “Marathwada is reeling under severe floods, with people losing everything. Thackeray has toured five districts for three hours and expressed anguish, but now is the time for action. He should cancel the Dussehra rally and spend that amount for flood victims. That would give meaning to his sympathy,” Upadhye said in a post on X.

Heavy rains have battered several regions of Maharashtra, including Marathwada, leading to floods and widespread damage. Against this backdrop, the BJP has argued that holding a political spectacle at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on October 2—where Thackeray is set to deliver his annual Dussehra address—would send the wrong message.

Upadhye further criticised the content of Thackeray’s rallies, contrasting them with those of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. “Earlier, the event gave ideological direction. Now it’s reduced to repeating the same script—calling others traitors and alleging his party was stolen. Why should ordinary workers spend lakhs of rupees for theatrics already published daily in Saamana?” he asked.

Calling the moment one of “atonement”, Upadhye said cancelling the rally and aiding flood victims would reflect genuine concern for the suffering people of Marathwada.