As Maharashtra?s assembly elections approach, all eyes are on the traditional Dussehra rally of the Shiv Sena. This year, the grand event is set to take place at the iconic Shivaji Park in Dadar for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena, while the rival faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will hold their rally at Azad Maidan. However, the heavy rains that lashed Mumbai yesterday have left both venues drenched in water and mud, raising concerns about potential disruptions to these high-profile events.

The Shiv Sena, which is currently divided into two factions after the split between the Thackeray and Shinde groups, has been preparing for their respective rallies with great anticipation. The Thackeray faction's rally at Shivaji Park is seen as a crucial platform where Uddhav Thackeray is expected to sound the bugle for the upcoming assembly elections. Meanwhile, the Shinde faction is gearing up to host its Dussehra event at Azad Maidan.

At Shivaji Park, preparations for the Thackeray-led rally are in full swing, with the arrangements reaching their final stage. Barricades have been set up, and seating arrangements for around 1.5 to 2 lakh Shiv Sainiks are being made. The excitement is palpable as Uddhav Thackeray is expected to make significant political announcements from the same grounds where Shiv Sena?s Dussehra rallies have historically been held.

However, the heavy rains that hit Mumbai last night have caused widespread flooding and created muddy conditions at both venues. The grounds at Shivaji Park are now waterlogged, and the overcast skies this morning have added to concerns. The sudden downpour has led to speculation about whether the Dussehra rally will be able to proceed without issues. Similarly, Azad Maidan, where the Shinde faction?s rally is set to take place, has also been affected by the rain, with mud covering large portions of the area. It remains to be seen if the event will go ahead as planned.

This Dussehra rally holds special significance as it is the second one after the split within Shiv Sena, and with assembly elections on the horizon, it is expected to set the tone for the upcoming political battle. The election code of conduct could be imposed at any moment, adding urgency to the speeches and announcements that will be made at the rallies. All eyes are on Uddhav Thackeray, as his address is expected to target both the state and central governments.

With the looming threat of rains and muddy conditions, the question remains: Will the Dussehra rally be able to overcome these obstacles, or will nature play spoilsport? All of Maharashtra is waiting to see how the Shiv Sena factions will handle this challenge, as their political strategies unfold in the lead-up to the crucial elections.