Raj Thackeray warns migrants from UP, Bihar against imposing Hindi ahead of BMC polls

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday warned against what he described as attempts by migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to impose Hindi in Maharashtra, calling for unity among Marathi-speaking people ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

Addressing party workers, Thackeray said Maharashtra’s language, land and identity were under threat and described the upcoming BMC polls as a decisive election for the Marathi community. He urged voters to remain vigilant on polling day and stressed the role of booth-level agents in preventing electoral malpractice.

“People from UP and Bihar should understand that Hindi is not your language. I don't hate the language... But if you try to impose it, I'll kick you. They're coming from all sides to Maharashtra and snatching away your share... If land and language are gone, you will be finished. Today, this crisis has arrived at your doorstep,” Raj Thackeray said.

Calling the BMC polls critical, he added, “This is the last election for the Marathi man... If you miss this opportunity today, you will be finished. Unite for Marathi and Maharashtra. Mumbai was obtained through the sacrifices of so many people... What will we tell them?... The BLA (Booth Level Agents) appointed at 6 AM should be ready on election day... Be alert, be vigilant, don't be careless... If anyone comes to vote again, throw them out.”

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde said the Mahayuti government would prioritise development for Marathis. Speaking at the launch of the Mahayuti manifesto, Shinde outlined plans for housing, infrastructure and urban development in Mumbai.

“Welfare schemes launched. Balasaheb Thackeray's vision lives on. Our development is for Marathis. We'll build multiplex theaters for them! Marathis, we'll do 10 times more for you...Mumbai needs to be brought back to its people. A slum-free Mumbai was Balasaheb's dream. We're working on SRA in Ghatkopar for 17,000 people,” Shinde said.

Detailing specific initiatives, he added, “Our goal is to build 30-35 lakh homes. We'll make Mumbai a Fintech City, the Fintech Capital. We're setting up a world-class university. In Best, we've decided to give 50% reservation to women. We'll invest Rs 17,000 crores to make Mumbai pollution-free. We'll strengthen all roads and make Mumbai pothole-free.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Shinde and BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, also launched the Mahayuti manifesto for the BMC elections.

Polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, is scheduled for January 15, while counting will be held on January 16.