"If Marathis are in danger, what were you doing for 30 years?": Devendra Fadnavis Slams Uddhav Thackeray

Taking a swipe at Aaditya Thackeray, Fadnavis invited him to an open debate, saying BJP minister Sheetal Mhatre or “Sheetal Gambhir,” as referenced in the speech would be ready to face him anytime. He dismissed the idea that this was some kind of “last election” for Mumbai or for the Marathi people.A“This is not a fight for the existence of Marathi people. It is a fight for your own political survival,” Fadnavis said, pointing directly at the Thackeray camp.

In one of the strongest lines of the speech, he declared: “You do not represent Marathi people. You do not represent Maharashtra. You do not represent Mumbai. Mumbai is its people. Marathi is its people. Maharashtra is its people.”
Mocking what he called attempts to copy his speaking style, Fadnavis said imitation had already damaged other political parties. “Some people tried to copy me yesterday. I don’t mind. But they should remember what happened to their ‘uncle’s party’ while copying. At least the uncle could speak well and imitate properly. Let’s see what happens to you,” he said, in a pointed jibe aimed at Aaditya Thackeray.

As the BMC election battle heats up, the sharp exchange reflects how the fight for Mumbai is turning into a fierce contest over legacy, identity and political credibility, with both sides accusing the other of failing the very people they claim to represent.
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