As the campaigning for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections wraps up, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a strong response against the reunited Thackeray brothers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Piyush Goyal have led the BJP’s campaign, focusing on development issues and questioning the credibility of the Thackeray alliance.
Responding to accusations of scheming to divide Mumbai, CM Fadnavis dismissed the Thackeray narrative as a desperate attempt for political survival. He refuted claims of BJP’s intention to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra, labeling it as a misleading tactic. Fadnavis emphasized that the real threat lies in the Thackerays’ political future rather than Mumbai’s well-being.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal criticized the alliance, suggesting that their combined strength would not impact the Mahayuti’s chances. CM Fadnavis highlighted the opportunistic nature of the Thackerays’ alliance by showcasing past clashes between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. He also defended against favoritism allegations, citing economic growth data under the current administration as a sign of national progress.
The BJP has made a bold electoral promise to challenge the Shiv Sena’s monopoly on Marathi identity by pledging a Marathi Hindu Mayor for Mumbai. Additionally, the party emphasized inclusivity by considering North Indians and other long-term residents as integral parts of Mumbai. Personal attacks have also surfaced in the campaign, with the BJP condemning derogatory remarks and urging a focus on the city’s future.
