A Marathi Hindu Will… Uddhav Sena Reacts to Mumbai BJP Chief’s Mamdani Win Remark

Introduction

A political war of words has erupted in Maharashtra after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction hit out at Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar over his controversial remark following Anil Mamdani’s election victory.

Shelar had reportedly made a statement suggesting that “a Marathi Hindu will reclaim this seat next time”, drawing criticism from the opposition, who called the comment **“divisive and disrespectful”.

BJP Leader’s Remark Sparks Controversy

After the results of the Mumbai municipal by-election, BJP’s Ashish Shelar congratulated party workers but expressed disappointment over the loss of a Marathi-dominated constituency.
He reportedly said,

“A Marathi Hindu will win this seat next time. We will not allow outsiders to dominate Mumbai’s politics.”

The remark, though intended as a morale boost for BJP supporters, quickly went viral and drew sharp reactions from the opposition — especially the Uddhav Sena and Congress — who accused the BJP of mixing religion and regional identity with politics.

Uddhav Sena Hits Back

Reacting strongly, Uddhav Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey said the BJP’s language exposes its “narrow and polarizing mindset.”
He stated,

“Mumbai belongs to everyone — Hindus, Muslims, Marathi, North Indians, South Indians — all contribute to this city’s strength. BJP’s comment is an insult to Mumbai’s inclusive spirit.”

Dubey further accused the BJP of using *Marathi identity as a political tool, reminding that it was *Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena that first fought for Marathi pride — not the BJP.
He added,

“Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena doesn’t divide Mumbaikars by religion or caste. We stand for all citizens who love this city.”

Opposition Joins in Criticism

The Congress Party and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) also condemned Shelar’s remark, calling it a calculated attempt to polarize voters before upcoming civic elections.

Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddique said,

“The BJP is trying to pit communities against each other. Mumbai has always been secular and diverse, and we will not let divisive politics win.”

NCP leaders echoed similar sentiments, demanding an apology from the Mumbai BJP chief for what they called “irresponsible and inflammatory rhetoric.”

BJP Defends the Statement

The BJP, meanwhile, clarified that Shelar’s comment was “misinterpreted.”
Party sources said he only meant that the party’s Marathi cadre will reclaim the seat through hard work and not through religious bias.

A BJP spokesperson said,

“Ashish Shelar’s statement was about the emotional connect of Marathi voters with the city, not about targeting any community. Opposition parties are twisting his words for political gain.”

However, critics argue that the phrase “Marathi Hindu” used in a political context sends the wrong message in a city as cosmopolitan and diverse as Mumbai.

The Mamdani Victory That Sparked It

The controversy stems from the recent bypoll result in which Anil Mamdani, an independent candidate backed by a coalition of local groups, defeated the BJP’s official nominee by a narrow margin.
His victory was seen as a sign of shifting voter sentiment, particularly in south-central Mumbai, where younger and minority voters are emerging as a decisive force.

The BJP, which had held the seat for several terms, was reportedly surprised by the loss.

Political Implications

The controversy comes at a sensitive time when all major political parties — BJP, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), and Congress — are preparing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

Analysts say the verbal duel between the BJP and Uddhav Sena shows how Marathi identity politics remains central to Mumbai’s political narrative, even as the city evolves into a global metropolis.

Political analyst Prakash Pawar noted,

“Both sides are trying to claim ownership of the Marathi pride narrative. While BJP uses it to consolidate Hindu votes, the Uddhav Sena wants to present a more inclusive, Marathi-led image.”

Public Reaction

On social media, reactions were sharply divided.
Some users supported Shelar, saying he was right to emphasize *local representation, while others accused him of *promoting religious and regional division.

The hashtags #MarathiPride and #MumbaiPolitics trended on X (formerly Twitter), with citizens debating whether Mumbai’s leadership should be defined by identity or inclusivity.

Conclusion

The exchange between the BJP and Uddhav Sena reflects the deepening political tension in Maharashtra, where alliances have fractured and old loyalties are being redefined.

While the BJP insists its remark was about empowering local voters, the Uddhav Sena sees it as proof of the ruling party’s “divisive agenda.”

As political temperatures rise ahead of civic polls, one thing is certain — Mumbai’s politics will continue to revolve around Marathi pride, secularism, and the city’s unique identity.