In a sharp escalation of political rhetoric ahead of crucial municipal elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Raut has accused the ruling party of a deliberate agenda to ensure that a 'Marathi manoos' (Marathi person) does not become the mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Allegations of a Deliberate Conspiracy
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Rajya Sabha member elaborated on his claims. He stated that the BJP's objective is to hurt the sentiments of the Marathi-speaking population. Raut's remarks came as a direct response to comments made by BJP leader Kripashankar Singh. Singh had suggested that efforts would be made to ensure the election of a Hindi-speaking mayor in the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation, which lies within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Raut framed this not as an isolated comment but as part of a larger, calculated strategy. "The statement by Singh was not done without any purpose," he asserted, claiming it was a tactic to create an atmosphere against Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) among non-Marathi residents. He further predicted that following this, high-profile leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Samrat Choudhary would be brought to campaign for the BJP in the civic polls.
The Core Political Charge
Raut left no room for ambiguity in his accusations. "The BJP has decided not to have a Marathi mayor in Mumbai or anywhere else. This is BJP's agenda," he declared. He emphasized that the party's plan is to ensure a Marathi person does not lead Mumbai through the BMC's top post and that they are actively working towards this goal. Expressing confidence in his party's base, Raut claimed that the Marathi community remains solidly behind Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS.
These pointed comments arrive just a fortnight before the high-stakes civic body polls. The issue of local identity and the 'son of the soil' is expected to be a central theme in the campaign. Raut also sought to distance the BJP from Maharashtra's regional pride, stating that the party has no connection to the historic 'Samyukta Maharashtra' movement and does not work for the state's self-respect.
The Stakes for Mumbai and Beyond
The upcoming elections carry immense significance. Polls for 29 municipal corporations, including the financially powerful BMC, are scheduled for January 15. The BMC, which was controlled by the undivided Shiv Sena from 1997 until 2022, is the biggest prize. The electoral battle is viewed as one of the toughest challenges for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS as they attempt to reclaim their stronghold in Maharashtra's urban heartland against a formidable BJP machinery.
Raut's allegations have sharply defined the battle lines, framing the election not just as a contest of governance but as a fight for Marathi identity and control over India's financial capital. The political discourse is now heavily centered on linguistic and regional pride, setting the stage for a fiercely contested poll.
