“Hatao Lungi, Bajao Pungi”: Raj Thackeray Revives Controversial Slogan to Defend Marathi Identity Ahead of BMC Elections

Mumbai: In a move reminiscent of the aggressive identity politics of the 1960s, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray revived one of Mumbai’s most contentious political slogans during a massive rally at Shivtirtha in Dadar on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Thackeray directed his ire at BJP leader K Annamalai, whom he mockingly called ‘Rasmalai,’ after Annamalai allegedly referred to Mumbai as an international city rather than a purely Maharashtrian one.

Thackeray used the slur “Hatao Lungi, Bajao Pungi”, a phrase historically associated with anti-South Indian sentiment in Mumbai, to highlight what he claims is the marginalisation of Marathi people in their own city. The slogan, which literally translates to “Remove the lungi-wearers, blow the pipe,” was first coined by Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray in the 1960s. It was part of the broader ‘Sons of the Soil’ movement, aimed at galvanising Marathi youth against perceived economic and cultural threats from South Indian migrants occupying clerical and white-collar jobs.

By invoking historical grievances, he aims to consolidate the ‘Marathi Manoos’ vote bank and portray non-Marathi influence in the city as a renewed threat.

However, critics argue that bringing back such slogans risks reigniting linguistic tensions and undermining Mumbai’s cosmopolitan character. While some see it as a clever political mobilization tool, others warn that using divisive rhetoric in today’s multicultural metropolis could deepen societal rifts.

For Thackeray, the strategy is clear: economic and cultural marginalisation of local Marathi people must be highlighted, and identity politics must be central to his campaign narrative in the civic elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.