In a fiery address ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray issued a stark warning to migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, cautioning them against any attempts to impose the Hindi language in Maharashtra. The rally marked a significant political reunion, as Thackeray shared the stage with his estranged cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, Uddhav Thackeray.
A United Front Against 'Imposition' and 'Danger'
The cousins, who have had a long history of political rivalry, presented a united front, stating their alliance was forged in response to an imminent "danger" facing Mumbai and Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray, known for his strong stance on Marathi identity, directed his comments specifically at the migrant population from North India. He was quoted by news agency ANI as saying that while he does not hate the Hindi language, he would vehemently oppose its forced adoption.
"People from UP and Bihar should understand that Hindi is not your language. I don't hate the language... But if you try to impose it, I'll kick you," Thackeray declared. He further accused migrants of encroaching on local resources, stating, "They're coming from all sides to Maharashtra and snatching away your share... If land and language are gone, you will be finished."
The 'Last Election' for Marathi Identity
Positioning the upcoming civic polls as a decisive battle for regional identity, Raj Thackeray made an urgent appeal to the Marathi-speaking community. He termed the BMC election the "last election for the Marathi man." He warned that missing this opportunity would lead to irreversible consequences for the community's future in Mumbai.
"Today, this crisis has arrived at your doorstep... If you miss this opportunity today, you will be finished. Unite for Marathi and Maharashtra," he urged the crowd. Emphasizing vigilance, he instructed party workers to monitor polling booths closely from 6 AM on election day and prevent any malpractices like repeat voting.
Joint Attack on BJP's 'Fake Hindutva'
The rally also served as a platform for a combined offensive against their common rival, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Both leaders accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics and practising what they called "fake Hindutva" and "fake nationalism." Uddhav Thackeray, speaking after his cousin, questioned the BJP's commitment to Maharashtra's heritage.
Referring to remarks made by Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai, Uddhav asked whether the BJP intended to rename Mumbai back to 'Bombay'. He sharply criticized the party's current stance, alleging, "The BJP has become a party which says corruption first, instead of nation first." He reiterated that their political reconciliation was driven by the need to protect the interests of the Marathi manoos, Hindus, and the state of Maharashtra from perceived threats.
The high-profile joint rally signals a major realignment in Maharashtra's politics ahead of the pivotal BMC polls, with the Thackeray cousins aiming to consolidate the Marathi vote bank by focusing on issues of language, local rights, and regional pride.
