Mumbai, April 4 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction stated on Saturday that the approval of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2026, confirming Amaravati's status as the official capital, has raised significant alarms in Maharashtra.

While the bill pertains specifically to Andhra Pradesh’s capital, the Thackeray faction, in its party publication 'Saamana', cautioned that it establishes a perilous constitutional precedent that could adversely affect Mumbai's future.

The editorial pointed out that the central issue revolves around the Parliament's power to determine a state capital. According to Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, the Lok Sabha possesses the authority to modify state boundaries, expand or contract a state's area, change names, or create new states. Traditionally, however, the decision regarding a state's capital has been reserved for the respective states.

Critics such as Anil Shidore have contended that the push for the 'Amaravati Bill' through Parliament is a calculated strategy. The concern is that this 'clandestine approach' by the Central government could ultimately circumvent Maharashtra's state authority concerning Mumbai.

The editorial suggested a potential trajectory for the Central government to assume control over India’s financial nucleus. Parliament might propose a bill designating Mumbai as a 'National Economic Zone', and under the pretext of celebrating its global significance and economic strength, the city could be transformed into a Union Territory.

In a critique of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, the editorial noted that they would likely herald it as a 'matter of pride' for Mumbai.

There is a mounting fear that Mumbai could be relegated to a 'vassal' of the Centre, while a 'second, third, or fourth Mumbai' is touted as the new capital of Maharashtra, the editorial warned.

The Shiv Sena-UBT also launched a fierce critique against the current leadership in Maharashtra, accusing them of lacking 'Maharashtra Pride.'

The editorial highlights a cultural shift where traditional Marathi titles like 'Raosaheb' and 'Taiseheb' are yielding to 'Raobhai' and 'Taiben', symbolizing a perceived capitulation to external political pressures. The Thackeray faction recalled that Mumbai was won through the sacrifices of 106 martyrs. While the city has historically served as a haven for affluent 'Sheth' individuals, past leaders and organizations like the Shiv Sena ensured that these interests did not overshadow the state's identity.

Despite the legislative triumph, the reality in Amaravati remains bleak.

'After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the loss of Hyderabad to Telangana, Amaravati was designated as the new capital. However, despite thousands of acres of fertile farmland being appropriated from farmers and hundreds of crores in central funding, construction in the city has stagnated. Local reports depict 'skeletons' of administrative buildings that have become fodder for ghost stories, underscoring that legal mandates do not always translate into tangible progress,' it stated.

Targeting the current Maharashtra leadership, the Thackeray faction argued that the same 'weak and indifferent' leadership, which stays silent on cultural and regional matters today, may eventually permit Mumbai to be separated from Maharashtra.