Raj Thackeray Warns Migrants Over Hindi Imposition as Marathi Identity Takes Centre Stage in BMC Polls

A strong warning issued by Raj Thackeray against what he described as the “imposition” of Hindi on Maharashtra’s linguistic landscape dominated a high-voltage joint rally with Uddhav Thackeray, as the estranged cousins reunited to frame the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as a defining battle for Marathi identity.

Addressing a charged crowd in Mumbai ahead of the January 15 civic polls, Raj Thackeray issued a blunt message aimed at migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. He said he harboured no hostility towards the Hindi language itself, but warned that any attempt to impose it in Maharashtra would be met with resistance. His remarks drew loud applause and set a sharp linguistic tone for the campaign.

Positioning the BMC contest as far more than a routine civic election, Raj argued that it represented a last opportunity for the Marathi-speaking population to safeguard its cultural and economic space in Mumbai. He warned that unchecked migration and political decisions favouring non-local interests were eroding the rights of the Marathi manoos. According to him, the loss of language and land would ultimately lead to the marginalisation of Maharashtra’s native population.

Calling the election a “final chance,” Raj urged voters to unite beyond party differences, invoking the historical sacrifices made to ensure Mumbai remained part of Maharashtra. He appealed to party workers to remain vigilant on polling day, instructing them to closely monitor voting processes and prevent alleged irregularities.

Uddhav Thackeray said the reunion with his cousin was driven by what both leaders viewed as a growing threat to Mumbai’s autonomy and identity. Addressing supporters, he said personal differences had been set aside in the interest of Maharashtra, Marathi culture and Hindu unity. He stressed that genuine commitment to Marathi pride must be deeply ingrained, not selectively invoked during elections.

Both leaders launched a sustained attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of pursuing policies that undermine Maharashtra’s cultural fabric. Raj linked the controversy over the three-language formula and proposals to introduce Hindi at the primary school level to a broader ideological push. He maintained that opposition was not directed at any language, but at coercive policies that ignored regional identity.

The rally also focused on economic concerns. Raj alleged that Mumbai’s resources were being systematically diverted and accused the BJP of favouring corporate interests at the cost of local control. He claimed that major infrastructure projects and proposed port developments were part of a long-term strategy to integrate Mumbai economically with Gujarat, weakening Maharashtra’s hold over its own capital.

Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of practising what he termed “fake Hindutva,” alleging that communal narratives were repeatedly deployed to divert attention from governance issues. He also criticised recent remarks by BJP leaders suggesting Mumbai’s identity extended beyond Maharashtra, warning that such statements revealed an attempt to dilute the city’s Marathi roots.

As campaigning intensifies, the joint appearance of Raj and Uddhav Thackeray has reshaped the political narrative ahead of the BMC elections, transforming the civic battle into a broader referendum on language, identity and control over Mumbai’s future.