MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT), has issued its first reaction following the results of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, striking a defiant note and indicating that the political contest in Maharashtra is far from over.In a post on social media platform X on Saturday, the party said, “This battle is not over yet… It will continue just like this until the Marathi person receives the respect they deserve!”
The statement framed the election outcome as part of a longer political struggle centred on Marathi identity and dignity.Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray echoed similar sentiments, saying the fight would continue for the “Marathi Manoos”, the Marathi language, Marathi identity, and a prosperous Maharashtra.He also urged the party’s elected representatives to remain firm despite what he described as attempts by the ruling alliance to harass them.In a detailed post on X, Raj Thackeray—whose party contested 53 seats in alliance with Sena (UBT) in the BMC elections—congratulated the elected corporators of both parties. “With love, Jai Maharashtra. First and foremost, heartfelt congratulations to all the elected corporators of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena. This election was not an easy one. 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,” he wrote.Acknowledging the party’s limited success, he added, “It is saddening that MNS did not achieve the expected success this time, but that does not mean we are the kind to lose heart and give up. The corporators who have been elected will more than hold their own against the ruling powers right there on the ground. And if anything is seen to be happening against the Marathi Manoos, they will surely bring those in power to their knees.”Reiterating the ideological focus of his party, Raj Thackeray said, “Our fight is for the Marathi Manoos, for the Marathi language, for Marathi identity, and for a prosperous Maharashtra. This fight itself is our very existence. All of you are well aware that such struggles are long-term in nature. 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.”He also warned of continued challenges for Marathi-speaking communities, stating, “Actually, there is no need to even tell you this, but still I will say it: 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 his message, the MNS chief wrote, “Elections will come and go, but we must never forget that our very breath is Marathi. See you soon. Let us get back to work once again. Let us rebuild our party and organisation afresh!!! Your humble, Raj Thackeray.”The statement came after the MNS won just six seats in the BMC elections.Despite their overall performance, the Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance performed strongly in parts of south and central Mumbai, winning most of the 20-odd wards considered the Marathi heartland. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured only two seats in these areas. The Thackeray cousins also won six of the seven seats in Worli, where Sena (UBT) faced rebel candidates in four wards.In contrast, the ruling Mahayuti alliance, backed strongly by the Gujarati community, won all seats in Mulund and seven of the 11 seats in Ghatkopar’s N ward.
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