Raj Thackeray warns BMC election may be the last turning point for Marathi voters
Raj Thackeray
At the Kokan Mahotsav, Raj Thackeray said the upcoming BMC election could be the final decisive battle for Marathi representation if voters do not stay alert and proactive.
Mumbai | 24 November 2025 – Raj Thackeray delivered a sharp message at the Kokan Mahotsav, telling supporters that the upcoming BMC election could become the last major political stand for Marathi voters if they continue to stay passive. He urged workers to stay alert in the months ahead, especially while monitoring voter lists and preventing any manipulation. His warning centred on concerns that demographic shifts and political interference have already weakened Marathi representation across Mumbai, and ignoring these changes could permanently alter the city’s political balance.
Thackeray stressed that the municipal body is not just another civic institution but the richest and one of the most influential in the country. According to him, those who care about the city’s cultural identity need to act now. He criticised rival parties for trying to influence electoral rolls and asked his supporters to challenge irregularities, verify missing names and track new registrations closely. The audience responded strongly, with many agreeing that Marathi political presence in Mumbai has been shrinking for years.
His comments come at a time of intense political competition, shifting alliances and rising uncertainty around the BMC polls. Party insiders say his speech reflects growing frustration about losing political space to bigger coalitions. Critics, however, argue that such rhetoric is aimed at creating fear rather than encouraging healthy participation. They maintain that Mumbai has always functioned as an inclusive city shaped by many communities.
With the civic polls expected to be one of the most contested elections in the state, Thackeray’s remarks have added momentum to an already heated political atmosphere. His party workers are expected to intensify outreach in local wards, strengthen on-ground presence and focus on mobilising Marathi voters. Whether his warning becomes a defining moment or simply another political flashpoint will become clearer as campaigning progresses.
