Trinamool Congress firebrand Mazid Memon has unleashed a blistering attack on Raj Thackeray, branding his Marathi-first ideology as unconstitutional and dangerous. The verbal showdown erupted after Thackeray’s latest outburst against ‘outsiders’ dominating Mumbai’s opportunities.
Speaking at a packed event, the MNS supremo lamented the ‘dilution’ of Marathi culture, demanding quotas and protections for locals in employment and housing. His words struck a chord with some supporters but drew immediate condemnation from across the political spectrum.
Memon, addressing a press conference in Mumbai, didn’t mince words. ‘Raj Thackeray’s divisive Marathi vs non-Marathi narrative is a direct assault on the Constitution. It violates fundamental rights and sows seeds of hatred,’ he asserted. Drawing parallels to historical nativist movements, Memon warned that such rhetoric could destabilize social harmony in one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities.
The TMC leader highlighted Maharashtra’s economic reliance on inter-state migration. ‘Mumbai’s skyscrapers, Bollywood, and stock exchange are built on the sweat of people from every corner of India. Singling out non-Marathis is not patriotism; it’s economic sabotage,’ Memon argued, backed by migration statistics from the Census.
This isn’t the first time Thackeray has stirred controversy with his regionalist pitch. His party’s aggressive campaigns in the late 2000s targeted cab drivers and vendors from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, leading to shutdowns and legal battles. Memon positioned TMC as the progressive alternative, advocating for ‘development for all, not division for votes.’
Opposition leaders echoed similar sentiments, with Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut calling it ‘outdated politics.’ Meanwhile, Thackeray defended his views on X, insisting on protecting local interests without apology.
As Maharashtra gears up for municipal elections, this spat reveals fault lines in the state’s politics. Will Thackeray’s provocation galvanize his base, or will it alienate moderates? Memon’s strong stance signals TMC’s ambition to expand its footprint, challenging the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance on inclusivity grounds. The debate rages on, reminding us that in diverse India, unity often hangs by a thread.