Shiv Sena (UBT) Warns: “Mumbai and Marathi Identity at Risk After BMC Polls”

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction, UBT) on Saturday issued a strong warning over the future of Mumbai and the safeguarding of the Marathi Manoos identity following what it described as “chaotic and controversial” results in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and 28 other civic body polls across Maharashtra.

In a sharply worded editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray camp alleged large-scale electoral malpractices, including EVM manipulation, voter bribery, bogus voting, and double voting, as the counting of votes stretched late into the night. The editorial posed a pointed question: who will now protect the interests of the Marathi Manoos in Mumbai?

The editorial argued that the setbacks suffered by Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) were not merely political losses but represented a betrayal of Mumbai’s cultural and historical legacy. It claimed that those responsible for weakening regional political forces had effectively “traded away” the heritage built on the sacrifices of the city’s martyrs.

Referring to the 106 martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, the editorial asserted that they would not simply mourn but would demand a renewed struggle to protect the soul of Mumbai. Despite what it described as “extremely adverse circumstances,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS fought a close contest, highlighting that the struggle to safeguard Mumbai and the Marathi identity is far from over.

A key concern raised was the alleged attempt to hand over Mumbai to corporate interests with the backing of the BJP. Drawing a historical parallel, the editorial warned that the “saffron flag of Marathi pride” now faces a challenge comparable to the Battle of Panipat.

“The eyes of the nation were on Mumbai. Through massive corruption, ink scams, EVM manipulation, distribution of money, and bogus or double voting, a corporate-backed force with BJP support attempted to seize control of Mumbai. Celebrations were started even before the final results were declared, reflecting electoral fraud,” the editorial alleged, describing this as a serious warning for Maharashtra and its people.

It further claimed that when power, money, and even constitutional institutions like the Election Commission act as “servants” to ruling interests, any political wave can be manufactured. Nevertheless, the editorial asserted that the resolve of regional forces to protect Marathi identity remains unshaken.

The editorial accused the ruling dispensation of diluting the ideological legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and alleged that enormous financial resources were deployed to “stab the Marathi people in the back.” It stressed that the fight against the encroachment on Mumbai’s culture would continue despite the odds.

According to Saamana, a BJP wave across 26 municipal corporations facilitated the rise of “opportunistic political elements,” including the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, to power. The editorial warned that the absence of ideology and principles among such groups could render future elections meaningless.

It further alleged that hundreds of voters were deprived of their voting rights while the Election Commission remained inactive. Polling officials were accused of allegedly using “BJP apps” to assist voters and favor the ruling party. The editorial added, “If such complaints are ignored, then instead of elections, representatives should simply be appointed and sent to the corridors of power.”

The editorial accused the BJP of pursuing an “anti-Maharashtra agenda” aimed at installing an “industry-friendly” mayor in Mumbai, insulting the Marathi identity. It claimed that this was attempted with the help of the Shinde faction, calling it a betrayal that would be recorded in the darkest chapters of the state’s political history.

“The Mumbai won through the sacrifice of 106 martyrs is on the verge of being snatched away, but we will not allow that to happen,” it declared, adding that the “corrupt arrogance” of the BJP would eventually engulf Mumbai and later Vidarbha as well.

Concluding the editorial, Saamana raised a fundamental question for the future: “Will the identity of the Marathi Manoos survive?” The party emphasized that the struggle to preserve Mumbai’s culture, heritage, and the rights of its Marathi residents was only beginning, signaling a prolonged and intense political battle ahead.

This editorial underscores the Thackeray faction’s determination to challenge the BMC results and protect regional interests while signaling deep concerns about electoral integrity and the growing influence of corporate-backed political forces in Maharashtra.

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