Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Maharashtra Leaders Clash Over Mumbai Identity
A BJP leader from Tamil Nadu named Annamalai said that Mumbai is an international city and not just Maharashtra's.
This made the Thackerays, who are leaders in Maharashtra, very angry.
They called him names and even suggested harming him.
Annamalai, who is not afraid, said he will visit Mumbai again.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister supported Annamalai, saying Mumbai is indeed an international city and an inseparable part of Maharashtra.
This all happened because of upcoming elections in Mumbai.
The Thackerays think Annamalai is insulting Maharashtra, but he says he is just stating facts.
The leaders also talked about how they have helped Mumbai with big projects and promised more development.
K Annamalai, a BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, sparked controversy by stating Mumbai is an international city, not just Maharashtra's.
Raj Thackeray (MNS) and Udhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) reacted strongly, calling Annamalai 'rasmalai' and suggesting harm.
Annamalai defiantly stated he will visit Mumbai again and is not intimidated by threats.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde backed Annamalai, asserting Mumbai's inseparability from Maharashtra.
The controversy is tied to the upcoming BMC elections on January 15, with identity politics and development agendas playing significant roles.
- Who
- K Annamalai (BJP leader from Tamil Nadu), Raj Thackeray (MNS chief), Udhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT), Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra CM), Eknath Shinde (Maharashtra Deputy CM).
- What
- A political row over Annamalai's statement that Mumbai is an international city, not just Maharashtra's, and the subsequent reactions from Maharashtra leaders.
- When
- The controversy erupted during the BMC election campaign, with elections scheduled for January 15.
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- Annamalai's statement was seen as decoupling Mumbai from Maharashtra, provoking identity politics and electoral strategies.
- Annamalai's Statement
- Mumbai is an international city, not just Maharashtra's.
- Thackerays' Response
- Accused Annamalai of insulting Maharashtra, called him 'rasmalai'.
- Fadnavis' Stance
- Backed Annamalai, said Mumbai is an international city.
- Election Context
- BMC elections scheduled for January 15.
- Annamalai's Background
- IPS-turned-BJP leader from Tamil Nadu.
- Thackerays' Slogan
- Hatao lungi bajao pungi (Remove lungi, play pungi).
- Saamna's Suggestion
- Allegedly suggested chopping off Annamalai's legs.
- Fadnavis' Advice
- Do not take Raj Thackeray seriously.
- Shinde's Assertion
- No power can take Mumbai away from Maharashtra.
- Shinde's Projects
- Atal Setu, Coastal Road, Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
Sources
"Try Chopping Off Legs": K Annamalai Dares Raj Thackeray Amid "Rasmalai" Row
Row over Mumbai identity: Defiant Annamalai dares Thackerays, calling them ‘ignorant’, asserts he will come again
‘I’ll come to Mumbai, try cutting my legs’: Annamalai hits back at Raj Thackeray
Annamalai dares Raj Thackeray after ‘Rasmalai’ slur and 'Hatao Lungi, Bajao Pungi' remark for South Indians
'No Power Can Take Mumbai Away From Maharashtra,' Says Deputy CM Eknath Shinde | VIDEO
Mumbai can’t be separated from Maharashtra: Fadnavis; slams Uddhav and Raj
"No One Can Separate Mumbai From Maharashtra": E Shinde On Thackerays' Charge
Fear of ‘Gujarati takeover’ of Mumbai: Why Raj, Uddhav Thackeray are stoking old anxieties ahead of BMC polls
Only Marathi manoos will be at helm of affairs in BMC: Fadnavis
‘Annamalai shouldn’t have been spoken in that manner’: Sena chief Eknath Shinde on BJP leader’s remark on Mumbai
