In Mumbai's politics, the issue of linguistic and local identity has once again come to the forefront, with BJP being directly questioned by Shiv Sena leader Akhil Chitre as to why the deputy mayor given to Mumbai is non-Marathi. Through a tweet on social media, he has strongly criticized the BJP and highlighted the issue of Marathi identity regarding Mumbai's leadership. Akhil Chitre stated in his tweet, “All the mayors given to Mumbai by Shiv Sena so far have been Marathi, and henceforth, the mayor of Mumbai will also be Marathi.” Questioning the BJP's stance, he asked why a non-Marathi person was chosen for the deputy mayor position in Maharashtra's capital, Mumbai?
Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, and the Marathi people have made a significant contribution to its development. Shiv Sena has always maintained that Marathi leadership should be at the helm of such a city's administration. With this statement by Akhil Chitre, the issue of Marathi identity in Mumbai's leadership has once again come into discussion. Criticizing the BJP, Chitre also noted that if decisions are made disregarding the sentiments of the Marathi people, Shiv Sena will never remain silent. Shiv Sena has always fought to uphold the rights and dignity of the Marathi people in Mumbai, and this fight will continue with even greater intensity in the future, he warned.
This issue has started to elicit reactions in political circles. Although there has not yet been an official response from the BJP, this issue is likely to heat up in the backdrop of the upcoming municipal elections. The Marathi versus non-Marathi debate is once again likely to become central to the election campaign. Meanwhile, it appears that Shiv Sena leader Akhil Chitre's stance is receiving significant support from Shiv Sainiks. Many have brought up the issue of Marathi identity in response to his statement on social media.
Overall, by raising the issue that the deputy mayor given by the BJP to Mumbai is non-Marathi, Akhil Chitre has heated up the political atmosphere, and the claim that “Mumbai's mayor will be Marathi” is likely to become a major political issue in the coming times.