Click to play videoMumbai: Maharashtra Assembly polls are round the corner and the political power plays have quite literally begun. In a bid to woo the Marathi manoos, the Shiv Sena and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sen are trying to out-do each other in a battle over power tariffs.
The MNS chief is threatening dire consequences if a disparity in power tariffs is not rectified.
"This is not a threat. We want the Government to know that it's public sentiment. The Government has to intervene," said Raj Thackeray.
The MNS ire is over concessions awarded to commercial users . The State Electricity Commission, MERC, brought down power tariff for malls and multiplexes by 15 per cent.
While domestic consumers' tariffs have been increased by 4 per cent, the Shiv Sena was the first to take up the cause. Burning down a BEST power station and picketing the Reliance energy office earlier.
However, with the MNS looking to hijack the issue. Shiv Sainiks recently took to the streets with chappals (flip-flops) demanding action against the State Energy Minister.
"This Cong-NCP govt has not kept its promise. They had assured us that power charges of common man will be stable," said Shiv Sena councilor, Sushil Shinde.
Shiv Sena executive President Uddhav Thackeray is making sure he is one-step ahead of cousin Raj in this political race for the Marathi votes. Taking up the most basic problems of roti (food), kapda (clothes) and makaan (housing), but will voters see through this one-upmanship between the Thackerays.
"It's all for publicity. Politicians know people will believe what they promise,"said a Mumbaikar. "Whether its MNS or Sena, they will forget about real work," said another.
The MNS ate into traditional Shiv Sena votes in the Lok Sabha polls. The Sena is clearly worried Raj Thackeray's could pull the same trick once again.
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