Sena launches another campaign, targets women voters

Mumbai: Close on the heels of Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray's ongoing 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra', the Shiv Sena has launched another campaign to reach out to women voters ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Shiv Sena's secretary Aadesh Bandekar, who is also a well-known Marathi actor and TV show host, has been given the task to carry out the campaign, titled 'Mauli Sanvad'.

Bandekar began his campaign on Friday from Dahanu in neighbouring Palghar district and has so far covered Poisar, Wada and Shahapur areas there. Talking to PTI, the Sena leader said he was hopeful that women would share their problems with him without any hesitation, given the popularity of his TV show "Home Minister", which is currently airing on a regional channel.

"'Home Minister' is an entertainment show involving women and their homes. Here through 'Mauli Sanvad', I am trying to understand their pain and sufferings and what they want to be done for it," he said.

Bandekar said his interactions with women in the last two days were centered around issues pertaining to water, education, housing and health. "We are noting down all points and suggestions and the party will work on how to solve the problems. I plan to cover a minimum of 100 to 125 Assembly segments (out of total 288 in the state) till August 31 by balancing my professional commitments," he said.

Bandekar said the Sena wanted to give a platform to housewives, farm labourers, workers of 'aanganwadis' (state- run women and child care centres) and tribals where they could put forth their issues.

 "The Shiv Sena will hear them out and work on resolving their issues," he added. Aaditya Thackeray, the son of Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, is currently on the second phase of his 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' where he is seeking blessings of people and thanking them for their support to his party.

The 29-year-old Yuva Sena chief, who is at present touring the Marathwada region, on Saturday said his yatra was not to further his or anybody else's political aspirations but to ensure the problems of people are heard at the government level. The state Assembly elections are due in September- October.