'Will lose control over Mumbai...': Raj Thackeray warns workers, voters
What's the story
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has raised the stakes for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. He said, "For the Marathi people, this BMC election will be the last crucial election." Speaking at his party's Konkan Mahotsav in Mumbai, Thackeray urged voters to be "vigilant," saying that if they are careless, Mumbai could slip from their hands.
Political tension
Thackeray warns of potential chaos if Mumbai falls
Thackeray's warning comes amid rising political tensions in the city. "If Mumbai slips out of our hands, these people will create havoc," he said. The MNS chief also raised concerns over possible irregularities in voter lists, urging people to check whether voters are genuine or bogus. This is a sharp contrast from his earlier unconditional support for the Mahayuti alliance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Campaign strategy
BJP's Hindutva message counters MNS's Marathi identity pitch
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is countering the MNS's strong Marathi identity pitch with a loud Hindutva message. The party has been criticized for being more representative of non-Marathi communities, but is now focusing on "Hindu identity" over linguistic identity. Mumbai MLA Ameet Satam and minister Ashish Shelar have both made statements emphasizing this shift.
Political alignment
Thackeray's relationship with Uddhav Thackeray sparks speculation
The growing closeness between Raj Thackeray and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, has also been a major talking point in Maharashtra politics. The two have appeared more aligned politically after being rivals for a long time. However, the push for a united Marathi front is not easy with opposition parties like Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) having different approaches toward alliances involving MNS.
Election details
BMC elections to be held on December 2
The BMC elections will be held on December 2, using EVMs. The elections involve electing 6,859 members and 288 presidents across 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats. The counting of votes will take place on December 3. Thackeray's strong stance underlines the importance of these elections for the Marathi community in Mumbai.