Party's love for youngsters make it set up selfie centre, but there's a political angle to it
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has developed a heart, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Red hearts will adorn the special ‘selfie point’ the party has set up at Shivaji Park. Interestingly, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the headquarters of the Shiv Sena. This is the first time since its formation in 2006 that the MNS will be celebrating Valentine’s Day. So, what’s cooking? Party leaders say it is one good way to connect with youngsters.
True. But when a party does it, can politics be far behind? Raj Thackery and his men sure do know that the BMC polls are scheduled for February next year.
MNS corporator from Shivaji Park Sandip Deshpande, who set up the city’s first selfie point, sings another tune. The party has also chosen to make late poet Mangesh Padgaonkar’s lines Shatada Prem Karave (Keep loving always) as its Valentine’s Day theme.
“We will put up the poem also as part of celebrations. Our celebration is about loving Marathi culture and Mumbai,” he said.
“Our selfie point is already very popular. We are just changing the theme. After umbrellas during monsoon and butterflies during winter, it’s going to be hearts for Valentine’s Day. We will also have pictures of Mumbai’s tourist spots. So, basically we want people to love the city,” he said.
If the MNS has developed a heart, within the Sena, there’s a change of heart. Though traditionally opposed to Valentine’s Day, the Sena has decided not to harass couples this February 14. Party sources call it the Aaditya effect.
The Yuva Sena leader has strictly directed Sainiks ‘not’ to misbehave with boys and girls on Valentine’s Day. “If youngsters want to celebrate, it is not a good idea to oppose it. Ever since Aadityaji took over, we have stopped attacking couples. We have moved on, and, in fact, it is Aadityaji who is batting to revive the city’s nightlife,” said a Sena functionary.
Pearls of wisdom. There’s lot of love and politics in the air. All we want to know is who will young voters prefer taking a selfie with before the BMC?
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