Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday strongly disagreed with comments made by BJP leader K Annamalai on Mumbai, stating that such remarks were inappropriate and did not reflect the stand of the Shiv Sena.
Annamalai’s statement, in which he referred to Mumbai as an “international city” rather than a city of Maharashtra, sparked a major political controversy in the state. His comments drew criticism from several leaders, who accused the BJP of attempting to undermine Maharashtra’s claim over Mumbai.
What Annamalai Said
Last week, Annamalai called for alignment between:
The Centre
The Maharashtra government
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
He highlighted Mumbai’s large civic budget and compared it with other major cities:
Mumbai: ₹75,000 crore
Bengaluru: ₹19,000 crore
Chennai: ₹8,000 crore
He said efficient administration was needed to manage Mumbai’s finances.
Shinde’s Response
Shinde made it clear that:
Annamalai’s remarks were wrong and poorly worded
The comments do not represent the Shiv Sena’s position
He has communicated his objections to the BJP leadership
“What Annamalai said was not right. It should not have been spoken in that manner,” Shinde said.
Mumbai’s Status Is Non-Negotiable
Reiterating the Sena’s long-held stand, Shinde firmly stated:
Mumbai is an inseparable part of Maharashtra
The city’s status is not open to debate
Using a strong metaphor, he said:
“Mumbai is not a railway coach that can be detached from one place and attached to another.”
On Other Controversial Statements
Shinde also addressed recent remarks made by BJP leader Krupa Shankar Singh, clarifying that:
Singh does not speak on behalf of the BJP
Individual comments should not be seen as the stand of allied parties
“One person speaking does not mean the party is speaking,” he said.
Political Timing Behind the Controversy
According to Shinde, the issue is being deliberately raised ahead of upcoming civic body elections to create political tension.
Such statements are often used to stir emotions during elections
Voters, he said, can distinguish between genuine issues and political tactics
Sena’s Core Ideology Remains Unchanged
Shinde concluded by reaffirming that the Shiv Sena’s position is rooted in the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray.
Mumbai has always been, and will remain, a part of Maharashtra
The party’s stand on Marathi identity and Mumbai has never changed
