Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has recently accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of conspiring to prevent a "Marathi manoos" (Marathi-speaking person) from becoming the mayor of Mumbai. Raut's allegations come amidst rising tensions and debates over regional identity and political representation in Maharashtra. He has criticized the Eknath Shinde-led government, asserting that the BJP is weakening the Shiv Sena, traditionally seen as the voice of the Marathi people, by orchestrating a split and turning its leadership into "puppets".

Raut's remarks followed an alleged attack on a Marathi-speaking family in Kalyan, Thane district, which he claims marks the beginning of a larger conspiracy to displace the Marathi-speaking community from key regions like Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan. He argues that the BJP's desperation for power has blinded them to the struggles of the Marathi people and that their agenda is to undermine the community's representation.

Raut has also accused the BJP of employing a "divide-and-rule" strategy to weaken the Shiv Sena. He claims the BJP divided the party and is now using its version of the Shiv Sena to maintain power, a betrayal the Marathi people will not forgive.

In related comments, Raut stated that the next mayor of Mumbai will be a "true Marathi" with saffron colour, implying that the mayor would not bend before Delhi, a dig at the BJP. He has also emphasized the need for opposition unity to defeat the BJP in the upcoming civic polls, urging the Marathi leadership in the Congress to recognize the "impending danger" to Mumbai and "save" the city.

Furthermore, Raut has alleged that deals for Mumbai are being finalized by "four Gujarati people," insinuating that the city is being sold off. He stated that two Gujaratis are selling, and two are buying, and his party will not allow anyone to snatch the city and divide it.

These accusations are not new. Raut has previously slammed Devendra Fadnavis, questioning what he has done for the Marathi people and suggesting that selling Mumbai to Gautam Adani is not a service to the community. He has also criticized the BJP's criticism of the alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, stating that Fadnavis became Chief Minister only because he was with the Thackerays earlier.