“Mumbai ma jalebi ne fafda, Uddhav Thackeray aapda” : Shiv Sena’s new slogan to woo Gujaratis in Mumbai

Mumbai : Shiv Sena has always had an enemy since it has been formed and it has run its politics by following this only. When the Shiv Sena was established, its enemies were South Indians. After that Communist Union became active in textile mills. When he became enemies with Gujaratis on the issue of inclusion of Mumbai in Maharashtra, North Indians became its enemies for giving priority ro Marathi people in government jobs. Muslim opposition has also been a major identity of the Shiv Sena. But ever since Uddhav Thackeray became active in the party, the Shiv Sena began to join hands with all those sections or started softening towards them who were once considered enemies of the Shiv Sena.

With the slogan ‘Mumbai ma jalebi ne fafda, Uddhav Thackeray aapda’, Shiv Sena organized a Gujarati conference in Jogeshwari area of Mumbai last Sunday. However, there was no presence of any veteran Shiv Sena leader in this program but it is being considered as the first step towards winning the hearts of Gujaratis. The Gujarati community is fond of food and that is why the Shiv Sena has adopted a stomach route to reach their hearts. Shiv Sena’s love for Gujaratis has surprised many in political circles.

Looking at the history, the relationship between Shiv Sena and Gujaratis has been full of bitterness. There has been conflict between Gujaratis and Shiv Sena on the issue of inclusion of Mumbai in Maharashtra. In 2014, the Sena mouthpiece Saamana, through its editorial, alleged that Gujaratis are exploiting Mumbai to acquire property. Bullet train project was also opposed by Shiv Sena saying that Gujarat is getting more stations than Maharashtra.