‘Lack of Jobs in Cities & Villages Is Alarming’: Aaditya Thackeray

Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly polls, Aaditya Thackeray spoke on farmers’ distress, economy & his election agenda.

Shiv Sena’s Aaditya Thackeray might be the first member of the family to contest the elections.

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj, Vishal Kumar

Maharashtra is set to go to polls in October. Shiv Sena’s Aaditya Thackeray might be the first member of the family to contest the Assembly elections. He is currently on a ‘jan ashirvad yatra’ since the beginning of this month, which aims to connect with the youth and their voter base.

During the tour, Aaditya spoke to The Quint and shared his thoughts on the economic slowdown, farmers’ distress and election agenda.

Will farmers’ distress be a setback in the election?

“The farmers are angry as their loans have not been waived. And there’s been no solution to the insurance problem. So, we need to balance both the things and go ahead. A systematic error can be seen. Loan waiver has been announced, but the people have not got anything in their hands yet. We are asking people – not just for the sake of doing politics over it – and taking down their names and (phone) numbers or their identification certificate or registered papers; we are trying to help them.”

Aaditya Thackeray

When asked about contesting elections and a cabinet post in the government, Aaditya said that his idols are his grandfather Bal Thackeray and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and just like them he is also not running after posts and positions.

“Before becoming the chief minister (of Gujarat), Modi ji spoke to the people, understood the pulse of the people. Both PM Modi and Balasaheb never ran after posts and that’s my plan too – don’t run after posts, if the public offers blessings to you then anything is possible.”

Aaditya Thackeray

In response to the current economic health of the country and the sluggish growth across sectors, Thackeray said:

“GDP numbers are concerning but I think that the central government will take steps to counter this issue. Unemployment and agricultural sector issues are also looming but I want to stay positive. I hope that the situation is going to improve.”