Ahead of the Maharashtra local body elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the proposed plan to cut trees in Nashik as part of preparations for the Kumbh Mela 2027, alleging that the ruling party wants to bring `Raavan Raj` to the city, reported the PTI.
He was addressing party workers in Nashik ahead of the elections to the Nashik Municipal Corporation, scheduled for January 15.
Criticism over Tapovan tree-cutting plan
Targeting the BJP, Thackeray alleged that the party’s commitment to Hindutva was political rather than genuine.
He claimed that if the BJP truly followed the ideals of Lord Ram, it would not have supported the cutting of trees in the Tapovan area. He alleged that the land was being cleared to benefit builders, according to the PTI.
“It wants to bring Raavan Raj,” he said, the news agency reported.
NGT halts project after protests
The Nashik civic body had proposed cutting trees in the Tapovan area to build a ‘Sadhu Gram’ colony for the Kumbh Mela. The proposal faced strong opposition from local residents, environmental activists and Opposition parties.
Earlier this month, the National Green Tribunal stayed the project until 15 January.
Broader criticism of BJP governance
Aaditya Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to “swallow Maharashtra and hand it over to developers”, claiming this approach would harm cities and push the country backwards, as per the PTI.
He also alleged that there was a lack of employment opportunities for youth and women, forests were no longer secure, and urban conditions had failed to improve.
Opposition alliance to be finalised
Aaditya Thackeray said an alliance involving Shiv Sena (UBT), the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) in Nashik would be finalised by the end of the day, the news agency reported.
Promises on civic development
The former Maharashtra minister said he envisions the establishment of a medical college under the Nashik civic body, similar to the one run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. He also promised improved public transport services and reduced local taxes if his party comes to power.
Maharashtra poll schedule
Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Nashik Municipal Corporation, will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for the following day. The nomination process began on December 23 and will conclude on December 30.
(with PTI inputs)