Sanjay Raut Slams Annamalai Over ‘Mumbai Not a Maharashtra City’ Remark, Demands Action

A political controversy erupted in Mumbai after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticised BJP leader K. Annamalai for remarks suggesting that Mumbai is “not a Maharashtra city” during campaigning for upcoming civic elections.

Reacting strongly, Raut demanded that legal action be initiated against Annamalai, calling the statement unacceptable and an affront to Maharashtra’s identity. He urged the State government to take immediate steps, arguing that such remarks undermine Mumbai’s status as the capital of Maharashtra and risk inflaming regional sentiments.

The comments were made in the context of campaigning for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, where Annamalai referred to Mumbai as an international city while highlighting the BJP’s leadership at the Centre and in the State. The statement quickly drew sharp political responses across party lines.

Seeking clarification, Maharashtra BJP leaders said the remark may have been misinterpreted and stressed the need to understand the context in which it was delivered. They maintained that Mumbai’s importance as India’s financial capital does not diminish its constitutional position within Maharashtra.

Leaders from the Shiv Sena faction aligned with the ruling coalition distanced themselves from the controversy, reiterating that Mumbai is an inseparable part of Maharashtra. They emphasised that the city belongs to the Marathi-speaking population while remaining inclusive and cosmopolitan in character.

The episode has added a fresh edge to the already heated civic election campaign in Mumbai, with regional identity and political messaging emerging as key flashpoints in the run-up to polling.