Showdown in Mumbai: Shiv Sena's Dussehra Duel

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) are set to hold Dussehra rallies in Mumbai on Saturday, intensifying their rivalry. The rallies, important for morale-boosting ahead of Maharashtra assembly polls, will be marked by mutual attacks and claims of support.

Mumbai is set to witness a high-stakes political showdown as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and its rival faction, led by Uddhav Thackeray, hold dueling Dussehra rallies on Saturday.

The gatherings, taking place at Shivaji Park in Dadar and Azad Maidan, come just before crucial state assembly elections, with both sides aiming to demonstrate their strength and support base.

Despite heavy rains making the venues sludgy, significant crowds are expected, underscoring the rallies' importance as morale boosters for party workers in the leadup to next month's polls.

(With inputs from agencies.)