Last chance for Marathi voters in Mumbai BMC elections 2025? Raj Thackeray’s warning, BJP’s Hindu first message and MNS-UBT’s new closeness is bringing new conflicts in city politics. Has the biggest battle for Marathi identity started in Mumbai?
Mumbai BMC Election 2025: The political temperature is continuously increasing regarding the BMC elections to be held in Mumbai. This time the issue has not only become one of development or administration, but also of identity. The latest statement of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is deepening this tension. He warned the Marathi people that this BMC election could prove to be the “last important election” for them. Raj Thackeray’s signal is clear that if the Marathi community shows carelessness this time, then someone else can take control of Mumbai, the effect of which will be visible for many decades to come.
Where did Raj Thackeray say?
Speaking at the Konkan Festival in Sewri, Mumbai, Rajsaheb Thackeray said, “The night is bad… don’t be careless… keep an eye on your surroundings… there is a plan to take over Mumbai, so be careful. Keep a close eye on who are the voters around you, who are fake. This will be the last Mumbai Municipal Corporation election for the Marathi people. If this election is lost, then Mumbai will go out of the hands of the Marathi people.”
Is this BMC election the last chance for Marathi people?
Raj Thackeray said, “For Marathi people, this BMC election will be the last important election. If we do not pay attention, we may lose control over Mumbai.” He also expressed concern about voter list and real-fake voters. He says that there are many weaknesses in the way the Election Commission handles the voter roll. This statement has come at a time when new equations are being formed in Mumbai politics – BJP’s Hindutva card, proximity of MNS and UBT, Congress’s uncomfortable position and NCP’s open strategy all together are making the elections extraordinary.
New political conflict between MNS and BJP
As MNS is emphasizing its Marathi identity, BJP responded with a ‘Hindu first’ message. Mumbai MLA Amit Satam and Minister Ashish Shelar made it clear that if BJP comes to power, the Mayor of Mumbai will be a Hindu. This situation is further increasing the political conflict in the city over issues of linguistic and religious identity.
New closeness between Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray
Raj and his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, were earlier political rivals, but have now grown closer. Both are now seen with each other on the political front and at family functions. This proximity has created new equations in Mumbai politics and made it even more challenging for the opposition to formulate strategies.
Will Congress and NCP support Marathi Morcha?
Congress is hesitant in accepting MNS within Maha Vikas Aghadi. Varsha Gaikwad made it clear that Congress will only forge an alliance with groups that follow the constitutional approach. NCP, on the other hand, is more open to the idea as they see the benefit in uniting Marathi voters in Mumbai and surrounding areas.
Will the political scenario of Mumbai change?
Raj Thackeray’s warning, BJP’s Hindu first message and the closeness of MNS-UBT, all these have given a new direction to Mumbai politics. As the elections approach, it will be exciting to see whose strategy works and who will have the biggest impact on the city.