The Shiv Sena criticized the Mahayuti government, accusing BJP leader Kripashankar Singh of stating that the next Mayor of Mumbai should be from the North Indian/Hindi-speaking community, which they claim is an attempt to dilute the city’s Marathi identity. In an editorial in ‘Saamana,’ the party warned against imposing a non-Marathi mayor, emphasizing Mumbai’s historical significance to Maharashtra.
The editorial highlighted Mumbai’s role as the capital of Maharashtra, achieved through sacrifices during the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. It firmly stated that the Mayor of Mumbai should always be a Marathi Manoos, rejecting any outsider’s claim to the position. The Shiv Sena criticized the BJP for allegedly disregarding Mumbai’s history and attempting to undermine the influence of Marathi-speaking residents.
Accusing the BJP of using Singh to further their agenda, the editorial condemned the party’s actions as a conspiracy to weaken the Marathi presence in Mumbai. It dismissed Singh’s clarification about a “Hindu Mayor,” asserting that the BJP aims to protect its vote bank rather than uphold Marathi interests. The editorial urged BJP leaders to understand Mumbai’s history before making divisive statements.
The Shiv Sena vowed that the people of Mumbai would not accept a Mayor who does not represent the city’s Marathi heritage. They emphasized that the upcoming BMC elections would uphold the city’s identity, ensuring that the leadership remains with the local community and not with those who seek to alter its cultural fabric.
