"Will burn down your Lanka": Thackeray slams Shinde govt at Dussehra rally

The show of strength between Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his predecessor Uddhav Thackeray on Dussehra day -- customary since Shiv Sena split -- continued this year too. With months to go before the Lok Sabha elections, the two leaders attacked each other in strong language, "Ravan" and "General Dyer" being some of the invectives used. Lashing out at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said, “I think we need to have new government in nation, but not with absolute majority, but the one with alliances.”

Thackeray, during his speech, while criticising the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Sena and BJP said that he will burn down their Lanka made out of 'khoka' (money) just like Lord Hanuman burnt down Ravana's Lanaka. He said he has blazing torches, referring to the party workers. He further added that took a jab at Rahul Narwekar as well over the alleged delay in making a decision over disqualification pleas filed by Uddhav Thackeray against the Shinde-led rebel MLAs.

Speaking about the ritualistic burning of effigy, he further noted, "After the speeches, we will burn effigy of 'Khokasur'."He also took a shot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP's brand of Hindutva. He said his Hindutva politics, unlike that of BJP, is not divisive. He added that those not believing in family system should not be commenting on dynasty politics. "I am proud that I am Balasaheb Thackeray's son. Family system is foundation of Hindu culture. Those who do not believe in the system should not be criticising others," he said. Speaking from the dais at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, CM Shinde held no bars, hitting out at Thackeray, saying: “I won’t be surprised if they (Thackeray) merge with the Congress. Instead of being proud as Hindu, they are now proud to join hands with socialists. They will even join hands with Owaisi.”