Raj Thackeray warns — BMC elections could be the last chance for Marathi people if they fail to remain alert

by Webdesk
24 Nov 2025

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has delivered a sharp warning to Marathi citizens ahead of the upcoming BMC elections. He cautioned that if the Marathi community does not remain cautious and aware during the civic polls, this election could turn out to be the “last” for the Marathi manoos. Thackeray expressed these views while inaugurating the MNS Konkan Mahotsav, where he also urged party cadres to stay disciplined, committed and alert.

According to Thackeray, the political atmosphere in Mumbai has rapidly changed, and lack of vigilance from the Marathi population could lead to irreversible consequences. “Do not lower your guard at any point. If you remain careless, the loss will be unavoidable. The forthcoming BMC election will be the last chance for the Marathi people if alertness is not maintained, and the aftermath may be beyond control,” Thackeray said during a brief but powerful address.

Recently, the MNS chief actively raised concerns regarding major discrepancies in the voters’ list for the Mumbai civic elections. He even joined a joint protest march organised by the Opposition to demand corrective action and transparency from the administration.

Political turbulence in the Opposition camp over BMC polls

While Raj Thackeray sends out warnings about the significance of the upcoming electoral battle, major rifts have surfaced within the Opposition alliance over seat sharing and leadership roles in the Mumbai civic polls.

Last week, the Shiv Sena (UBT) openly criticised the Congress party’s decision to contest the BMC elections independently. The Sena (UBT) labelled the Congress move “harmful to Opposition unity,” insisting that a united fight was essential to prevent the BJP from executing its alleged plan of politically and socially separating Mumbai.

In a sharp editorial published in the party’s newspaper Saamana, the Sena (UBT) played down the Congress’ fear that forming an alliance with Raj Thackeray’s MNS could reduce Congress support among North Indian and Muslim voters. According to the editorial, such concerns are exaggerated and misplaced.

Congress confirms solo contest — electoral mathematics shifting

The Congress has officially declared that it will contest the BMC election on its own, distancing itself from both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS. Party strategists believe that if Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS join forces under the Opposition alliance, the party’s prospects among Hindi-speaking voters and the Muslim community could weaken significantly.

However, the Saamana editorial drew attention to the fact that Raj Thackeray and the Sena (UBT) played no role in the recent Bihar elections, yet Congress still suffered a heavy defeat there. This, it claimed, proves that distancing from the MNS will not guarantee electoral success.

The editorial also reminded that the Muslim electorate has consistently supported the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in both Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections. It emphasised that Uddhav Thackeray, during the COVID-19 crisis, did not differentiate between communities and religions while taking decisions, and therefore Shiv Sena (UBT) believes that Muslim votes will remain with the MVA regardless of Congress’ apprehensions.

“Congress should not unnecessarily fear losing Muslim and North Indian voters. Their support for MVA will remain intact,” the editorial stated firmly.

Counter-reaction from Congress — “Lack of clarity created today’s situation”

Responding to the criticism, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant remarked that the current confusion could have been avoided if Shiv Sena (UBT) had communicated its stand earlier. He indicated that the distrust and hesitation within the alliance arose because of inconsistent messaging.

Sawant recalled that in July this year, a remark was made that the MVA might not be needed in the future. According to him, if the Shiv Sena (UBT) had clarified that such comments might later need reconsideration, the alliance could have managed expectations better and avoided misunderstandings. Sawant’s remarks referenced statements by Sanjay Raut about limiting the role of the MVA.

Conclusion

With Raj Thackeray issuing a stern warning to the Marathi community, Congress choosing to fight alone, Shiv Sena (UBT) advocating for unity, and the Opposition camp witnessing internal friction, the stage is set for a highly charged and unpredictable BMC election. The coming weeks will determine whether political alliances realign or if each party decides to pursue its independent battle for the control of Mumbai.

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

Raj Thackeray warns — BMC elections could be the last chance for Marathi people if they fail to remain alert

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