Did Uddhav’s Speech Turn into a Rudaali Act? Fadnavis Says It Was Mourning Over Lost Power!

National News: Devendra Fadnavis lashes out at the Thackeray brothers’ rally in Mumbai, branding it a political condolence meet” and accusing Uddhav of emotional theatrics to mask power desperation. In a fiery response to the high-profile rally of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray in Mumbai, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tore into the event, calling it a “political mourning” rather than a celebration. Without directly naming Uddhav, Fadnavis mocked his speech as a “Rudaali” act-referring to women paid to cry in Rajasthani funerals-suggesting that the focus was less on Marathi pride and more on personal political loss.

Fadnavis alleged that the event, projected as a Marathi cultural assertion, was in fact a stage for lamenting the fall from power. He questioned the absence of core linguistic concerns in the speeches and framed the rally as emotional manipulation for electoral gain. His attack, heavy with sarcasm, was timed to undercut the growing optics of unity between the estranged Thackeray cousins.

Not Celebration, But Condolence

Fadnavis rejected the rally’s branding as a victory event. He said it resembled a wake for political ambitions that once ruled Mumbai. “There was no Marathi agenda,” he stated, “only a desire to return to power.” He implied Uddhav used emotional rhetoric to divert public focus. Fadnavis insisted that the gathering lacked vision, leadership, or any roadmap. According to him, voters will see through this emotional posturing.

‘Thanks for the Credit’

Responding to Raj Thackeray’s sarcastic remark crediting him for reuniting the brothers, Fadnavis delivered a punchline of his own. He said perhaps Balasaheb Thackeray’s blessings were behind it all. “If I brought them together, maybe I’m chosen for this karmic role,” he quipped. The remark added to the narrative that BJP has pushed the Thackerays into political recalibration. His tone stayed confident, mocking and strategic.

Past Failures Highlighted Sharply

Fadnavis didn’t stop at rhetoric. He attacked the Thackeray legacy in the BMC, accusing them of delivering little in two decades of control. He contrasted their record with Modi government’s achievements. He highlighted redevelopment in BDD Chawl, Patra Chawl, and Abhyudaya Nagar. According to him, real progress for Marathi people came under BJP, not Shiv Sena (UBT). The message: symbolism doesn’t build cities — governance does.

Political Desperation Exposed Boldly

Fadnavis framed the brothers’ unity as political helplessness. He suggested that their joint appearance stemmed not from conviction, but survival. “They fear BJP’s rise in civic polls,” he said. The real motive behind the rally, he claimed, was electoral math. Marathi identity was just the mask. BJP's leadership, he argued, does not need to stage emotional spectacles.

Marathi Pride Misused Again

Accusing the Thackeray family of exploiting Marathi sentiments, Fadnavis asserted BJP’s deeper commitment. “We are Marathi and proud,” he declared. He emphasized BJP’s work across communities. “Be it Marathi or non-Marathi, people of Mumbai stand with us,” he claimed. Fadnavis sought to strip the brothers of their cultural monopoly. His tone was firm and inclusive.

Rhetoric Won’t Win Mumbai

With civic elections looming, Fadnavis turned the rally into a launchpad for BJP’s counterattack. He warned voters not to fall for emotional manipulation. According to him, the choice is between hollow speeches and housing projects. BJP, he concluded, has proven leadership, not just lineage. The Mumbai battleground has now been redrawn.