Uddhav calls for Mumbai bandh on Aug 1, Raj opposes

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, estranged cousins and bitter political rivals, took to the streets in Mumbai in support of the textile mill workers’ cause. The ‘morcha’ was organised to support the cause of free housing facilities for the many mill workers in Mumbai.

However, the moment the demonstration was over, the brothers took a contrary stand. Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray has called for a Mumbai bandh on August 1 if the mill workers’ issue is not resolved by then. However, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray was opposed. He said the issue should be sorted in the state legislature, and said, Mumbaikars would face problems in a bandh.

The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena’s new ally, Ramdas Athawale of a Republican Party of India faction, also participated in today’s ‘morcha’.

Uddhav walked with his Shiv Sena contingent, while Raj led the MNS supporters from Byculla to Azad Maidan. This was the first time since he quit the Shiv Sena six years ago that Raj Thackeray was on the same side as Uddhav. However, Raj did not share the dais with Uddhav at Azad Maidan and left without addressing the public.

Last week, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had assured mill workers that their concerns on housing and jobs for family members would be looked into. However, the government is divided over whether or not to give free houses to mill workers. The state cabinet discussed the issue at its meeting held today and the government is expected to announce a policy decision soon.