Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Annamalai's Mumbai Remark Sparks Political Row
K Annamalai, a former leader from the BJP in Tamil Nadu, said that Mumbai is not just a city of Maharashtra but an international city.
This upset many people in Maharashtra, especially leaders from other political parties.
They said that the BJP is trying to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.
Annamalai was in Mumbai to support BJP candidates for the upcoming city elections.
He talked about how important Mumbai is and how it needs good leaders to manage its big budget.
Some BJP leaders said that Annamalai's words were taken out of context and that he was just talking about Mumbai's importance.
Other political leaders, like those from the Congress and Shiv Sena, said that the BJP is not treating Mumbai well and is giving important projects to Gujarat instead.
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, said that the Opposition is just making up stories to scare people.
K Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP president, sparked controversy by stating Mumbai is not just a city of Maharashtra but an international city.
Opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, accused the BJP of undermining Mumbai's status and demanded a clarification.
Annamalai was campaigning for BJP councillors in Mumbai ahead of the BMC polls, focusing on wards with a significant Tamil-speaking population.
BJP leaders defended Annamalai, stating his remark was taken out of context and aimed to highlight Mumbai's significance.
Opposition leaders alleged that the BJP is giving preference to Gujarat over Mumbai in terms of important projects and financial status.
- Who
- K Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP president
- What
- Controversial remark about Mumbai not being a city of Maharashtra
- When
- Days before the BMC polls scheduled for January 15
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Why
- Annamalai's remark during campaigning for BMC polls
Opposition Parties
BJP Leaders
Mumbai's Identity
Opposition Parties
Mumbai is an integral part of Maharashtra and its identity is rooted in Marathi culture and history.
BJP Leaders
Mumbai is an international city that transcends state boundaries and requires strong administrative leadership.
BJP's Intentions
Opposition Parties
The BJP is deliberately trying to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra and undermine its status.
BJP Leaders
The BJP is focused on the development and governance of Mumbai, and the remark was taken out of context.
- Person Involved
- K Annamalai
- Location
- Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Event
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls
- Date of Event
- January 15
- Budget of Mumbai
- ₹75,000 crore
- Budget of Chennai
- ₹8,000 crore
- Budget of Bengaluru
- ₹19,000 crore
