Mumbai, Jan 2 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) criticized the Mahayuti government on Friday, arguing that BJP leader Kripashankar Singh’s claim that the next Mayor of Mumbai will be from the North Indian/Hindi-speaking community is not merely an isolated statement. Instead, it represents the 'official stance' of the party aimed at undermining the Marathi identity of the city, constituting a direct challenge to Maharashtra’s regional pride.

The editorial in the party's publication, 'Saamana', titled “Traitors, Shame on your lives! Mumbai’s Mayor will only be Marathi,” cautioned that attempts to impose a non-Marathi mayor would incite a backlash reminiscent of the historic struggle for statehood. The editorial asserted, “Mumbai rightfully belongs to the Marathi manush emotionally, geographically, and historically.”

Employing pointed language, the editorial reminded the BJP of Mumbai’s significant history, emphasizing that it is the capital of Maharashtra, won through the sacrifices of 106 martyrs during the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. “No outsider can claim Mumbai. This state has established that the Mayor of Mumbai will be, and must be, a Marathi Manoos,” it declared.

“The BJP has aired its resentment through Kripashankar's statement..., while the 'fake' Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) remains mute, submissively following Amit Shah. They assert that Singh’s comment is ‘personal opinion’ to mask their own cowardice. Shame on your lives!” the editorial stated.

It accused the current leadership of “tucking their tails” rather than defending Maharashtra's dignity, alleging they have capitulated to their political masters in Delhi.

The Thackeray faction claimed that Kripashankar Singh serves as a “pawn” in a broader scheme orchestrated by the BJP leadership from Delhi. It suggested a systematic conspiracy exists to sever Mumbai from Maharashtra and weaken the influence of the Marathi-speaking populace.

In response to Singh’s clarification that he intended a “Hindu Mayor,” the editorial dismissed the explanation as a façade. “Mumbai has historically had Hindu mayors, but they were Marathi Hindus. The BJP doesn’t seek the Marathi Manoos; they merely wish to safeguard their vote bank under the guise of religion,” it emphasized.

The editorial firmly stated that the BJP cannot “purchase” Mumbai with money and that the city’s essence cannot be bartered for votes. It urged BJP leaders to pay a visit to the Hutatma Smarak (Martyrs' Memorial) at Flora Fountain to grasp the blood-stained history of the city before making such assertions. The editorial claimed there is a deliberate effort by the BJP to systematically diminish the influence of Marathi Manoos in the upcoming BMC elections.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena asserted that the citizens of Mumbai would teach a lesson to those tampering with the city’s identity in the forthcoming elections, reiterating that control of Mumbai will remain with the “sons of the soil,” and any aspirations for a “Hindi-speaking Mayor” would be thwarted by the populace.