Uddhav Thackeray Stands Firm with Mill Workers; Raut Criticizes Government's Neglect
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has extended his full support to mill workers' and teachers’ protest scheduled today at Azad Maidan. The demonstration, which will begin at 12 noon, is centered around demands for rightful housing in Mumbai and other long-pending issues. Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have come out in support of the protest.
Against this backdrop, Shiv Sena MP and senior leader Sanjay Raut addressed a press conference and launched a sharp attack on the state government.
“Even after fifty years, the struggle of mill workers continues. Governments have come and gone, but the promises made to workers have remained unfulfilled. They are being pushed into the gutters of the city,” Raut said. “Ask the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister where they are when such critical issues are being raised.”
Raut revealed that Uddhav Thackeray has made a formal proposal regarding the mill workers' housing issue. “We are demanding that a portion of the land allocated to Adani under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project be reserved for mill workers. These workers and their families, who are native to Mumbai, should be rehabilitated within the city. If there is no displacement, then why is every major land parcel in Mumbai being handed over to Adani?” he questioned.
Further highlighting the disparity, Raut said, “From Mother Dairy lands to toll plazas, salt pans, dumping grounds – large plots across Dahisar to Mulund have been handed over under the guise of redevelopment. But what are these land deals yielding for common Marathi people? Mill workers are the sons of the soil, born and raised in Mumbai. Our only demand is that they must not be driven out. They must be integrated into the Dharavi redevelopment process. This protest will be the voice of the Marathi people.”
He confirmed that Uddhav Thackeray will attend the march and address the gathering, showing the party’s active participation. Prominent leaders including Sachin Ahir, and several notable artists, are also expected to be present in solidarity.
On the issue of education, Raut said, “The government has failed to resolve the concerns of teachers as well. Everyone is being given empty promises and pieces of paper. What has this government actually resolved in the past few years? Meanwhile, contractors and some MLAs are making crores. What concrete action is being taken to address the growing concerns of Marathi-speaking citizens? That remains the biggest question.”
Raut concluded by reiterating Uddhav Thackeray’s unwavering support for both the mill workers’ and teachers’ movements, calling it a fight for justice and dignity for the city’s working class.