On this Special Report, the focus is on the political fallout in Maharashtra following the BMC poll results. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has launched a scathing attack on his political rivals, reiterating allegations of ‘vote chori’ or vote theft. Addressing his party cadre in Mumbai, Thackeray stated, ‘You can buy votes, but how can you buy spirit?’ He expressed disappointment that ‘traitors’ from within, rather than outsiders, were being used in an attempt to finish the Thackeray name and legacy. While Thackeray did not explicitly name Eknath Shinde, his remarks were clearly directed at the Shinde faction and the BJP, whom he referred to as outsiders trying to divide the Shiv Sena. Thackeray appreciated his workers for resisting these pressures and vowed to continue the fight. The programme examines these comments as the mayoral race begins in Mumbai amidst a highly charged political atmosphere.
