**Mumbai:** The annual Dussehra Melava of Shiv Sena (UBT) at Shivaji Park concluded on Thursday evening with party chief Uddhav Thackeray delivering the final speech.

Despite heavy rains that left the ground muddy and drenched thousands of supporters, the rally continued with enthusiasm. Thousands braved the downpour using umbrellas, shower caps, and handkerchiefs to stay dry, all while waving saffron flags and cheering.

A symbolic centerpiece drew significant attention this year — a headless Ravan idol. Traditionally, the Ravan idol is depicted with ten heads, representing intelligence and power. However, at this year’s rally, Thackeray presented an idol without a head, stating that it symbolised the “bindoke” (brainless) work of the current state government.

This gesture was widely interpreted as a pointed critique of administrative inefficiency and policy failures, emphasizing Shiv Sena (UBT)’s ongoing political message.

Earlier in the day, Thackeray arrived at the venue and paid tribute to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by offering a garland, reinforcing the party’s connection to its historic roots.

Due to the inclement weather, speeches at the event were limited. Only Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut, and Ambadas Danve addressed the gathering. Danve’s speech focused on issues such as the Marathwada famine. Other leaders who were scheduled to speak, including Bhaskar Jadhav and Sushma Andhare, could not deliver their addresses because of the rain.

Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the headless Ravan idol became the rally’s most talked-about feature. This symbolic act highlighted Shiv Sena (UBT)’s strategy of blending cultural traditions with political messaging, projecting both criticism of the current government and the party’s enduring presence at Shivaji Park — a longstanding political stronghold.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/shiv-sena-ubt-dussehra-rally-ignites-headless-ravan-idol-with-bindok-message-criticising-mahayuti-govt-video