Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued its first official reaction to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election results. The party struck a defiant note, signaling that the political contest in Maharashtra remains far from settled.
Defiant Social Media Post
On Saturday, the party posted a strong message on social media platform X. "This battle is not over yet," the statement declared. "It will continue just like this until the Marathi person receives the respect they deserve!" The party framed the election outcome as part of a much longer political struggle. This struggle centers specifically on Marathi identity and dignity.
MNS Chief Echoes Sentiments
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized that the fight would continue for the "Marathi Manoos," the Marathi language, Marathi identity, and a prosperous Maharashtra. Thackeray also urged his party's elected representatives to stand firm. He warned against what he described as attempts by the ruling alliance to harass them.
Detailed Message on X
Raj Thackeray posted a detailed message on X. His party contested 53 seats in alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) during the BMC elections. He began by congratulating the elected corporators of both parties. "With love, Jai Maharashtra," he wrote. "First and foremost, heartfelt congratulations to all the elected corporators of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena."
He acknowledged the challenging nature of the election. "This election was not an easy one," Thackeray stated. "It was a battle of tremendous money power and the power of authority against Shivshakti. Yet even in such a fight, the workers of both parties gave an excellent battle. Their praise can never be enough."
Acknowledging Limited Success
The MNS chief acknowledged his party's limited electoral success. MNS won just six seats in the BMC elections. "It is saddening that MNS did not achieve the expected success this time," he admitted. "But that does not mean we are the kind to lose heart and give up."
He expressed confidence in the elected corporators. "The corporators who have been elected will more than hold their own against the ruling powers right there on the ground," Thackeray asserted. "And if anything is seen to be happening against the Marathi Manoos, they will surely bring those in power to their knees."
Reiterating Ideological Focus
Raj Thackeray strongly reiterated the core ideological focus of his party. "Our fight is for the Marathi Manoos, for the Marathi language, for Marathi identity, and for a prosperous Maharashtra," he declared. "This fight itself is our very existence."
He framed the struggle as a long-term commitment. "All of you are well aware that such struggles are long-term in nature," Thackeray noted. "Whatever went wrong, whatever was left undone, wherever we fell short, and what needs to be done - we will all together analyse it and take action."
Warning of Continued Challenges
The MNS leader issued a warning about continued challenges facing Marathi-speaking communities. "Actually, there is no need to even tell you this, but still I will say it," he wrote. "Whether in the MMR region or across the entire state, the ruling powers and those who have gone under their shelter will not leave a single opportunity to harass and exploit the Marathi Manoos. Therefore, we must stand firmly behind our Marathi Manoos."
Concluding Message
Raj Thackeray concluded his message with a call to action. "Elections will come and go, but we must never forget that our very breath is Marathi," he wrote. "See you soon. Let us get back to work once again. Let us rebuild our party and organisation afresh!!! Your humble, Raj Thackeray."
Alliance Performance in Key Areas
Despite their overall performance, the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance showed strength in specific areas. They performed strongly in parts of south and central Mumbai. The alliance won most of the approximately twenty wards considered the Marathi heartland.
In contrast, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured only two seats in these same areas. The Thackeray cousins also achieved success in Worli. They won six of the seven seats there, even though Shiv Sena (UBT) faced rebel candidates in four wards.
Ruling Alliance's Performance
The ruling Mahayuti alliance performed well in other parts of the city. This alliance received strong backing from the Gujarati community. They won all seats in Mulund. They also secured seven of the eleven seats in Ghatkopar's N ward.
