Maharashtra: Arithmetic of Marathi votes and pitch of Hindutva, political parties preparing for show of strength on Gudi Padwa

Amidst the new equations in Maharashtra politics, political parties are leaving no opportunity to show their strength. Amidst the Lok Sabha Elections (2024), all the political parties are making grand preparations to enthuse the Marathi voters on “Gudi Padwa” (Gudi Padwa 2024), one of the major festivals of the state. From BJP to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Uddhav faction of Shiv Sena, everyone is trying to capitalize on this opportunity. Political parties calculating Marathi votes are preparing to play big shots on the pitch of Hindutva. In such a situation, the biggest opportunity to make a place in the hearts of voters during the election season is - Gudi Padwa.

Gudi Padwa, the main festival of Maharashtra, is on 9th April. In such a situation, posters and banners have been put up and preparations are being made in full swing. Gudi Padwa is considered the beginning of Marathi New Year. The Hindu new year also starts from this day. All political parties are busy in their preparations regarding this.

On this day, people of Marathi community tie a Gudi, a symbol of prosperity, outside their house and worship it. It is believed that this brings happiness, success and prosperity for the whole year. BJP has decided that 1.25 lakh Hindutva dolls will be installed in the financial capital through 'Sandesh Dhwaj Campaign'.

Suspense remains about which side Raj Thackeray will be on in the elections, but a teaser of Gudi Padwa has been launched, in which one of his symbolic statements has increased the suspense and the wait is for his speech. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has organized Gudi Padwa at Shivaji Park in Dadar at 4 pm on that day. During this time, there is complete preparation for the show of strength.

Whereas the rally of Uddhav faction of Shiv Sena will be held at Jamboree Ground. BJP is taunting about this. BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar said, “With what mouth is Aditya Thackeray taking out the rally? Those who decorated Yakub Memon's grave are celebrating the Hindu year? Hindus and people who observe Hindu calendar are upset about the attitude of Aditya Thackeray in his past works and in this rally the public will ask Aditya Thackeray why he decorated Yakub Memon's grave during his government."

Along with this, some organizers want that there should not be any shadow of politics in their event. Shridhar Agarkar of Hindu New Year Swagat Yatra said that for the last 22 years this yatra is being taken out without any political connection. Elections are near, but despite this, Hindu society will celebrate it according to its faith without linking it to any political affiliation.

One reason for celebrating Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra is also related to the victory of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the war, hence on this day Gudi is put outside the house as a victory flag of Hindutva. It is considered an indicator of success and prosperity. In Maharashtra, the entire election exercise revolves around “Shivaji Maharaj”. Therefore, the importance of Gudi Padwa is much higher than that of a festival. It is obvious that on April 9, all the parties will not miss the opportunity to show their strength.