“If the Marathi Manoos Is Facing Trouble Today, What Were You Doing for 30 Years? Were You Playing Marbles?” – Fadnavis Takes On Thackeray Cousins

Mumbai: Just days before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a fiery attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, calling the January 15 civic poll a battle for the cousins’ political survival rather than the welfare of Mumbai’s citizens.

Speaking at a Mahayuti rally at Shivaji Park on Monday, Fadnavis said, “This election is not about Mumbai or Marathi speakers. It is about saving your own survival. You are not fighting for the people, you are fighting for yourselves.” His statement drew loud applause from the gathered crowd.

He also criticised the decades-long rule of the undivided Shiv Sena in Mumbai. “If the Marathi manoos is facing trouble today, what were you doing for 30 years? Were you playing marbles while Mumbai’s richest civic body was mismanaged?” Fadnavis asked, referring to the Thackerays’ long tenure in the BMC.

Highlighting the recent unexpected unity between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, Fadnavis played old video clips showing the cousins attacking each other in past years. “Go drown in a spoonful of water (chullubhar paani mein doob maro),” he said, ridiculing their attempt to seek votes after failing to protect Marathi interests. “You ruled Mumbai for decades, and now you suddenly claim to be the guardians of Marathi pride. You don’t represent Mumbai or its people.”

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who attended the rally, also targeted the opposition. “While the Thackerays focus on their own political gain, the Mahayuti alliance is dedicated to fulfilling Balasaheb Thackeray’s dream of a modern and developed Mumbai,” Shinde said.

Fadnavis concluded with a vision for civic governance, urging voters to choose the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance. “We will bring transparency, accountability, and development to the BMC. This is not just about politics; it’s about transforming Mumbai into the city it deserves to be.”