Uddhav Thackeray Considered as Campaign Chief for MVA

Sources indicate that the Congress party is considering appointing Uddhav Thackeray as the campaign chief for the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) in the upcoming assembly elections. This potential decision stems from Thackeray's effective leadership during the MVA's previous tenure. With elections approaching, the focus is on Thackeray's campaign leadership, while discussions regarding the Chief Ministerial candidate will be deferred until after the elections. Congress senior leader Prithviraj Chavan is tasked with drafting the MVA's joint manifesto. A joint rally for the MVA is scheduled at Shanmukhananda Hall in Mumbai on August 16, where leaders and office bearers will gather to promote unity among alliance parties. The rally aims to galvanize party workers to collaborate for the success of MVA candidates in their constituencies. Thackeray expressed his willingness to support any Chief Ministerial candidate proposed by Congress and NCP, emphasizing the need for a united front against the opposition. Thackeray criticized the central government for delaying municipal elections and highlighted the importance of the assembly elections as a fight for Maharashtra's self-respect. He also vowed to protect religious properties, asserting that he would not allow any encroachment on them. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena secretary Anil Desai expressed confidence in the MVA's return to power, detailing the party's "Shiv Sampark" campaign aimed at enhancing voter outreach and engagement ahead of the elections.