Raj Thackeray Warns of Critical Moment for Marathi Identity in Upcoming BMC Elections

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at Konkan Mahotsav

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a powerful warning regarding the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, describing it as the "last crucial election" for the Marathi community.

During the inauguration ceremony of the MNS' Konkan Mahotsav on Sunday, Thackeray emphasized the need for workers and voters to remain "vigilant" as the BMC elections approach.

Thackeray, whose party has frequently faced allegations of targeting non-Marathi speakers, expressed concerns about the increasingly tense political climate surrounding the city's civic polls and called for caution.

"For the Marathi people, this BMC election will be the last crucial election," he stated. "If we remain careless, consider it gone from our hands." He further warned that "if Mumbai slips out of our hands, these people will create havoc."

Thackeray also highlighted concerns regarding potential irregularities in voter lists. "It is important for you to pay attention to whether the voters are genuine or bogus," he remarked, continuing his pointed criticism of the Election Commission's management of voter rolls.

His renewed assertiveness follows months after he had offered unconditional support to the Mahayuti alliance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, following the MNS's disappointing performance in subsequent state polls, his political stance and positioning have noticeably shifted.

As the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) strongly emphasize their Marathi identity, the BJP has developed a clear counter-strategy: a more pronounced and direct Hindutva message. The party, often criticized for primarily representing non-Marathi communities in Mumbai, is now prioritizing "Hindu identity" over linguistic identity in its campaign.

The BJP's Mumbai unit, led by MLA Ameet Satam, has intensified its rhetoric. This was evident in a recent comment by minister Ashish Shelar who, when questioned about whether Mumbai's next mayor would be Marathi, responded: "Mumbai's mayor will be a Hindu."

A significant political development has been the growing rapprochement between Raj Thackeray and his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Once political opponents, they now appear increasingly aligned, not only at family gatherings but also on political matters.

The proposal for a united Marathi front has encountered resistance within the Opposition. The Congress has shown reluctance to welcome the MNS into the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad has clarified the party's position: Congress will only ally with organizations that adhere to constitutional principles, a clear reference to the MNS's 'unconstitutional' approaches in language disputes.

Conversely, the NCP (Sharad Pawar) has demonstrated greater receptiveness to the idea, recognizing potential political advantages in mobilizing Marathi voters throughout Mumbai and neighboring regions.