The political landscape of Mumbai, particularly in the iconic area of Mahim, is witnessing an unusual and intriguing development. Mahim, which holds historical significance as the stronghold of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, is now becoming the site where three distinct political forces — the Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — are positioning themselves in a fierce competition. Adding another layer of complexity is the emergence of Raj Thackeray’s son in this power struggle, making this scenario all the more compelling.
Mahim has long been a symbol of the Thackeray family’s political dominance in Mumbai. This is the same region that saw Balasaheb Thackeray build his political empire, championing the cause of Marathi pride and fiercely opposing the influx of North Indians into the city. His fiery speeches and the formation of the Shiv Sena in the 1960s gave voice to the concerns of local Marathi-speaking people, positioning the party as a formidable political force. The area is thus not only geographically significant but also culturally and symbolically tied to the Thackeray family’s legacy.
Raj Thackeray, the younger cousin of Uddhav Thackeray, initially carved out his own political space in Maharashtra with the formation of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in 2006. The MNS, much like the Shiv Sena, adopted a hardline stance on issues of local identity, especially in relation to the growing influence of North Indians in Mumbai. Raj’s famous anti-North Indian rhetoric, particularly during his 2008 protests against the migration of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar residents to Mumbai, created significant political waves. His agitation against the North Indian presence in Maharashtra even led to clashes, and for many, Raj symbolized a more aggressive form of regionalism compared to his uncle Uddhav.
However, the landscape of Maharashtra politics has shifted in recent years, with new alliances and power struggles emerging. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, once a close ally of the BJP, broke away after a bitter split in 2022, leading to a new phase in state politics. This split has allowed Raj Thackeray and his MNS to capitalize on the discontent among Shiv Sena’s traditional voter base. At the same time, the BJP has been steadily expanding its influence in the state, further complicating matters.
Now, Raj Thackeray’s son, who has recently entered the political fray, is being positioned as the future face of the MNS. His emergence in Mahim is both symbolic and strategic. Raj’s son, born into the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideological framework, is trying to project a new, more youthful face for the MNS, while still tapping into the party’s core regionalist sentiments. His entry into politics is expected to influence the shifting dynamics in Mahim, which was once a bastion of Shiv Sena’s dominance but is now facing growing challenges from both the MNS and the BJP.
The political battle in Mahim is not just about local dominance; it reflects the changing contours of Maharashtra’s political landscape. With regional identity politics, the Marathi pride movement, and the growing appeal of the BJP all playing critical roles, Mahim has become the epicenter of an intense political confrontation. Raj Thackeray’s son’s rise in this region signals the beginning of a new phase in the Thackeray family’s political legacy — one that will be tested in the crucible of Mumbai’s increasingly competitive political environment.
As the three political forces — Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), MNS, and BJP — prepare for battle in Balasaheb’s stronghold, it’s clear that Mahim is now more than just a symbol of Marathi pride; it has become the battleground where the future of regional politics in Maharashtra will be decided.
