"Dussehra rally not a show of strength, Shiv Sena stands with farmers and flood victims": Shaina NC

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 3 (ANI): Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Thursday hailed the party's annual Dussehra Melava rally held in Mumbai, saying it was not merely a show of strength but a reaffirmation of the party's solidarity with farmers and those affected by floods in Maharashtra.
Speaking to ANI, the party leader said that the Dusshera festival marked the commitment of Shiv Sainiks for the people of Marathwada and Vidarbha, regions severely impacted by unseasonal rains and flooding.
"This Dussehra rally wasn't just a show of strength... Shiv Sena stands with the farmers as well as with the flood victims... This Dussehra is marked by the commitment that Shiv Sainiks are standing with our brothers and sisters from Marathwada and Vidarbha, who have faced significant hardship due to the rains. This is our message this Dussehra..." she said.
Meanwhile, 'Vijyayadashmi' or 'Dussehra' is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that Lord Rama killed Ravan on this day. 'Vijayadashmi' also marks the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri festival.
The Dussehra Melava, an annual event traditionally held by the Shiv Sena, was addressed on Thursday by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who reiterated the party's commitment to the welfare of distressed farmers and underscored the legacy of the late Balasaheb Thackeray.
Highlighting the ongoing crisis faced by farmers due to floods, Shinde urged Shiv Sena workers to prioritise aiding those affected, whom he referred to as "Baliraja" (farmer).
"Baliraja is in pain and distress, having lost land, homes, and crops. I have seen his suffering," adding that the state government is committed to providing timely aid to affected farmers, assuring that help will reach them before Diwali.
Shinde, calling himself a farmer's son, urged distressed farmers not to take any extreme steps, assuring them of concrete assistance from the government. During his address, he showcased a video that highlighted the flood devastation across parts of Maharashtra and the relief work carried out by Shiv Sena workers on the ground.
"Wherever there is disaster and crisis, there is Shiv Sena. This is what Balasaheb taught us," he said, adding that if Balasaheb were alive, he would have praised the dedication of Shiv Sainiks. (ANI)