With municipal elections approaching in Maharashtra, political temperatures have soared after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray launched a sharp verbal attack on Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai during a joint rally with Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai.
The controversy erupted after Raj Thackeray mockingly referred to Annamalai as “Rasmalai” and used phrases such as “lungi-pungi” while questioning his right to comment on Mumbai and Maharashtra. The remarks have triggered strong reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), intensifying political polarisation ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Political Heat Before Civic Elections
The Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections for 29 municipal corporations, including BMC, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Voting will take place on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16.
In this charged atmosphere, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray recently reunited politically, holding a massive rally in Mumbai aimed at consolidating the Marathi vote.
Raj Thackeray’s Attack on Hindi Imposition and Migrants
Addressing the rally, Raj Thackeray warned against what he described as the “imposition of Hindi” and accused migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar of threatening Marathi identity.
“I do not hate Hindi, but if you try to impose it, you will be taught a lesson,” he said. Calling the BMC election a decisive moment, he declared, “This is the last election for the Marathi manoos. If you miss this chance, your very existence will be at stake.”
He urged voters and booth-level agents to remain vigilant on polling day and prevent any alleged malpractice, further raising concerns over the aggressive tone of the campaign.
‘Rasmalai’ Comment Triggers BJP Backlash
Raj Thackeray’s remarks against Annamalai were linked to the BJP leader’s earlier statement describing Mumbai as an “international city.” Questioning Annamalai’s authority to speak on Mumbai-related issues, Raj Thackeray said, “What connection does someone from Tamil Nadu have with Mumbai?”
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also joined the attack, questioning whether the BJP intended to revert Mumbai’s name to “Bombay.”
Annamalai Hits Back
Responding from Chennai, BJP leader K. Annamalai strongly condemned the remarks, calling them insulting and threatening.
“Who are Raj Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray to threaten me?” Annamalai said at a press conference. “I am proud to be a farmer’s son. I have received threats saying my legs will be chopped off if I come to Mumbai. I will still come—try cutting my legs.”
He accused the opposition of ignorance and intolerance, adding, “If I say K. Kamaraj was one of India’s greatest leaders, does that make him less Tamil? If I say Mumbai is a world-class city, does it mean Maharashtrians did not build it?”
Politics of Identity Intensifies
The episode has reignited debates over language, regional identity and political legitimacy, with the BJP accusing the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) of divisive politics, while the Thackeray camp claims it is fighting to protect Marathi pride.
As Maharashtra heads into crucial civic polls, the escalating war of words suggests that identity politics will dominate the electoral narrative in the days ahead.
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