Responding to Pathan’s remarks, Sanjay Raut, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), criticised the AIMIM leader while addressing a press conference
Waris Pathan. File Pic
Ahead of the BMC elections 2026, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan on Thursday invoked constitutional principles while speaking on political representation, asserting that the Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens.
“The Constitution talks about equality, and we are people who respect the Constitution. I would ask why a Pathan, Khan, Ansari, Sheikh, or Qureshi cannot become a mayor. The Constitution ensures equality for everyone. One day, even a woman who wears a hijab could become the Mayor of Mumbai, and God willing, that day will come,” Pathan said.
Responding to Pathan’s remarks, Sanjay Raut, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), criticised the AIMIM leader while addressing a press conference on Friday. Raut pointed out that India has previously had Muslim Presidents and highlighted the country’s inclusive political history.
“India has had Muslim Presidents such as Zakir Husain, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Even during the BJP’s tenure, there have been Muslim Governors in various states. I think this issue should be ignored and we should move on,” Raut said.
Mayor of Mumbai will be a Marathi, says Raj Thackeray
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) founder Raj Thackeray on Wednesday formally announced an alliance for the upcoming BMC elections 2026, signalling a major political realignment aimed at consolidating the Marathi vote bank and challenging the BJP-led Mahayuti.
Addressing a joint press conference, the two leaders did not specify the list of civic bodies where the alliance would contest, nor did they disclose seat-sharing details for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Raj Thackeray, however, asserted that the next Mayor of Mumbai would be a “Marathi Manoos” from the alliance.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray said, “The moment that Maharashtra was waiting for a long time — that Shiv Sena and MNS should come together — today we are officially announcing the same.”
Raj Thackeray reiterated, “Maharashtra is bigger than any quarrel. We are announcing that our alliance has been formed. The Mayor of Mumbai will be a Marathi and will be ours.”
The coming together of the two parties signals that identity politics is set to once again hold sway in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray made it clear that the interests and needs of the Marathi Manoos would be prioritised, adding that the cause of Maharashtra had been kept above all else.
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