Mumbai's identity not for sale: Shiv Sena (UBT) in Saamana

‘Vada-Pav Zindabad’: Marathi food, labour and pride under threat

The Thackeray camp, in the party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ editorial titled ‘Vada-Pav Zindabad’, termed ‘Vada-Pav’ a symbol of Marathi identity and an economic lifeline for thousands, while accusing the state government of failing to protect Maharashtra's industries, reported IANS.

CM accused of belittling Marathi culture and livelihoods

It slammed CM Fadnavis for “belittling” the Vada-Pav industry during his speech at a joint rally on Monday, saying that while other state leaders take pride in their local food — such as Bihar's ‘Litti Chokha’, Delhi's Kachori, or Karnataka's ‘Benne Dosa’ — the current rulers of Maharashtra seem to “hate” the state's own ‘Zunka-Bhakar’ and ‘Vada-Pav’.

It further stated that ‘Vada-Pav’ is not just a snack, but a global symbol of the Marathi ‘shramik’ (hardworking class) that has now gone international, reaching cities like New York and London.

Editorial accuses BJP of elitism, hostility towards common man

“Those who hate the sweat of the common man will never understand the greatness of Vada-Pav,” said the editorial, accusing the BJP of elitism and “hatred” towards the state's working class, reported IANS.

“The Vada-Pav industry has lit the stoves (chulhas) in thousands of Marathi homes. To insult it is to insult the hard-working common man. This time, the haters of Maharashtra should be ‘fried and roasted’ in the boiling oil of the Vada-Pav stall,” it added.

Industries ‘kidnapped’ to Gujarat, Saamana alleges

According to the editorial, major industries and investments are being “kidnapped” from Mumbai and moved to Gujarat.

“Fadnavis says they will provide ‘employment, not Vada-Pav.’ But where will this employment come from if you are sending all the projects to Gujarat?” it asked, reported IANS.

The editorial reiterated that the BJP is attempting to “de-link” Mumbai from its Marathi roots to facilitate the shifting of major projects to Gujarat.

Attack on Annamalai remark, silence of Fadnavis-Shinde questioned

A significant portion of the critique is directed at BJP leader K. Annamalai, who recently sparked a row by stating that Mumbai is an “international city” and does not belong only to Maharashtra.

The Thackeray camp attacked the state government's silence on these remarks and questioned why CM Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have not “shown the courage” to condemn Annamalai's statements, labelling their silence a “surrender of Maharashtra’s pride.”

BMC polls framed as battle of ‘muscle and money’

With the BMC polls scheduled for January 15, the editorial described the campaign as a battle of “muscle and money.”

It claimed the BJP is bringing in “goons” from other states to intimidate Marathi voters.

Shivaji Park rally contrast, Thackeray brothers’ shows draw crowds

“The recent rally at Shivaji Park by the ‘Mahayuti’ (BJP-Shinde faction) was a failure with empty chairs, whereas the joint rally of the Thackeray brothers (Uddhav and Raj) saw an ocean of people. The joint appearances of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have created a ‘political storm’ in Marathi heartlands like Lalbaug, Parel, and Worli,” said the editorial, reported IANS.

‘Marathi Manoos’ will not sell future for money, warns Sena (UBT)

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) warned that the “Marathi Manoos” will not sell their loyalty and future for the “corrupt money” being distributed in the final days before polling.

It accused “Kamlabai” (a reference to the BJP's lotus symbol) of attempting to “buy” the election while citing alleged incidents of BJP workers being caught distributing money in various wards.

(With inputs from IANS)

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