India

Why Mumbai won't be voting for Marathi language politics today

January 15, 2026

Why Mumbai won't be voting for Marathi language politics today Mumbai evolved into a melting pot of cultures decades ago, but identity politics keeps resurfacing every poll season, with BMC polls being the latest trigger. Here's why clinging to linguistic pride is not only disconnected from Mumbai's dynamics today but is also absurd. AdvertisementMNS chief Raj Thackeray has yet again revived the politics of Marathi Asmita in Mumbai. (Image: File)Anand SinghNew Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 15, 2026 08:32 IST"Last I checked, he had zero seats," said Chetan Bhosale, sharing a clip of MNS chief Raj Thackeray's overtly racist rant against South Indians.

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Credit: Indiatoday

Key Highlights

Bhosale, who grew up in Mumbai, now lives far from his hometown.
The hardcore Mumbaikar is now also a New Yorker. Mumbai and New York are called sister cities, but one thing sets them apart.
In New York, one does not have to speak English to prove they belong.
From Indians and Lebanese to Palestinians and Somalis, anyone who lives in New York and makes the city it is, becomes a New Yorker.
Their skin colour, distinct accents and attire, all original. advertisementBut Mumbai cannot become what it aspires to be (Tokyo or London or NYC), as long as this rhetoric of hate by the MNS continues.

Sources

Why Mumbai won't be voting for Marathi language politics today

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