Mumbai’s political landscape is heating up ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with fiery rhetoric dominating the discourse. Waris Pathan, a prominent leader from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has unleashed a scathing attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, branding him as the ‘enemy of Muslims.’
Pathan’s explosive statement came during a public rally in a key Mumbai constituency, where he accused Thackeray of betraying the Muslim community despite his recent attempts at course correction. ‘Uddhav Thackeray pretends to be secular now, but his true colors are exposed. He and his party have always been enemies of Muslims,’ Pathan thundered to a cheering crowd.
The comments underscore deepening communal fault lines in Maharashtra’s urban politics. BMC, one of India’s richest civic bodies, controls vast resources and influences millions of lives in the financial capital. With over 227 wards up for grabs, alliances and accusations are flying thick and fast.
Pathan highlighted alleged historical injustices by Shiv Sena against Muslims, from riots to discriminatory policies. He urged the community to unite against ‘anti-Muslim forces’ and support AIMIM’s candidates. This comes as Shiv Sena factions led by Thackeray and Eknath Shinde vie for dominance post the 2022 split.
Thackeray’s camp has not yet responded officially, but party insiders dismiss Pathan as a fringe voice trying to fish in troubled waters. Meanwhile, the Election Commission is closely monitoring hate speech amid rising tensions.
As campaigns intensify, Pathan’s remarks could polarize voters further, potentially reshaping BMC’s political map. Analysts predict a multi-cornered contest with BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress, and regional players in the fray. The battle for Mumbai’s streets is set to be one of the most watched in the nation.