Sparks fly in Maharashtra politics as Trinamool Congress leader Mazid Memon denounces MNS president Raj Thackeray’s inflammatory pitch for Marathi supremacy, deeming it a grave violation of constitutional principles.
Thackeray’s rally speech painted a grim picture of non-Marathis ‘taking over’ Mumbai, urging aggressive affirmative action for locals. The rhetoric, laced with cultural nostalgia, aimed to rally his core supporters amid electoral uncertainties.
Without delay, Memon fired back in multiple interviews. ‘Labeling this as unconstitutional is an understatement—it’s anti-national. The Constitution envisions a seamless India, not fragmented fiefdoms,’ he proclaimed. He dissected key articles, from Fundamental Rights to Directive Principles, illustrating how Thackeray’s vision clashes with them.
Memon wove in socio-economic angles: ‘Migration isn’t invasion; it’s opportunity. Non-Marathis fill 40% of Mumbai’s workforce in services and construction. Demonizing them hurts everyone,’ citing labor ministry data. He contrasted this with Bengal’s model under TMC, where inclusivity drives growth.
Historically, MNS’s anti-migrant stance peaked in 2008 with taxi strikes and attacks, eroding its support over time. Thackeray’s revival bid now faces pushback from emerging players like TMC, which eyes Maharashtra’s 288 assembly seats.
Allies and rivals weighed in—NCP’s Supriya Sule supported Memon, while BJP distanced itself subtly. Thackeray remained defiant, framing critics as ‘anti-Marathi.’
This feud transcends personalities, reflecting urbanization’s challenges: housing shortages, job competition, and identity erosion. Memon’s clarion call for constitutional fidelity may resonate with youth and professionals. As debates intensify, Maharashtra stands at a crossroads—will it choose division or diversity?