Short Description
Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) voices concerns over BJP’s plans to keep Marathi candidates from key mayoral positions, framing it as a threat to local representation in Mumbai.
Read Time
4 minutes and 20 seconds
Main Article
In a fervent address to reporters in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of systematically sidelining ‘Marathi manoos’—the local Marathi-speaking populace—in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Raut’s statements signal a deepening rift in Maharashtra’s political landscape, particularly as the BJP positions itself to potentially appoint a Hindi-speaking mayor in areas like Mira Bhayandar, situated within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Raut firmly stated that the BJP’s agenda is to prevent a Marathi candidate from gaining the mayoral seat, claiming it represents a broader conspiracy to diminish the influence of Marathi culture and politics in the region. With the civic body elections approaching on January 15, 2024, Raut emphasized that this issue of local representation would be pivotal for voters, complicating the landscape for both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and its competitor, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). He noted that recent remarks by BJP leaders are not incidental but are strategic moves aimed at creating an anti-local sentiment, especially among non-Marathi speakers.
Additionally, Raut highlighted the BJP’s intentions to bring in heavyweight campaigners from Uttar Pradesh, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, reinforcing the notion that this isn’t merely a local election but a broader political strategy aimed at leveraging outside influence. He posited that the BJP operates with little regard for the historical and cultural significance of the ‘Samyukta Maharashtra’ movement, undermining local pride and representation.
As the polls draw closer, the focus on the ‘Son of the Soil’ narrative becomes increasingly central. Raut asserts that the Marathi-speaking community stands firmly behind the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS, which could tip the scales in favor of those parties, especially in a fiercely competitive electoral climate. The BMC elections are not just a political contest; they represent a critical juncture for the identity and voice of the Marathi people within Mumbai.
In essence, as we approach election day, the BJP’s strategy to nominate external candidates raises significant questions about the representation of the local population in major political roles. Raut’s accusations serve as a clarion call for those who prioritize local governance and the rights of the indigenous populace.
Short Summary
Sanjay Raut’s claims highlight fears that the BJP aims to exclude Marathi representation from Mumbai’s mayoral race, stirring local sentiments ahead of crucial BMC elections. As the narrative unfolds, the battle for local identity and influence intensifies among the main political parties.
