Can Still Shut Down Mumbai In 10 Mins, Team Uddhav MP Brags. D Fadnavis Reacts
In a startling political assertion that has grabbed headlines across Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut declared that the Thackeray political family could still bring the city of Mumbai to a halt “in 10 minutes,” a promise that was sharply dismissed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The fiery exchange comes at a politically charged moment as Maharashtra’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections draw closer, marking one of the most high-stakes civic polls in the state.
Background: A House Divided but Rallying
The dramatic claim by Sanjay Raut was made during an appearance on NDTV Power Play, where he spoke about the renewed political rapport between Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena (UBT)) and his cousin Raj Thackeray (chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena). The two cousins, estranged for more than two decades, have recently reunited in a surprising move that has reshaped the opposition landscape in Maharashtra ahead of the 2026 BMC election.
Raut argued that despite recent setbacks — especially the split of Shiv Sena in the 2022 political crisis and the rise of the Eknath Shinde-led faction — the “brand Thackeray” remains powerful and capable of mobilizing the city’s sentiment. He said the idea of Mumbai shutting down within minutes remains realistic under their influence and that their alliance could still determine who becomes the next mayor of Mumbai.
Fadnavis Fires Back: ‘Empty Threats’
Reacting to these remarks, Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis dismissed Raut’s comments as mere political rhetoric. He referenced the formation of the current government under the Mahayuti (BJP-Shinde-NCP) alliance — noting that despite threats during earlier political turmoil, Eknath Shinde managed to move freely into Mumbai and successfully form the government with the support of legislators.
Fadnavis added that the political environment today is very different from when Balasaheb Thackeray led Shiv Sena — implying that neither Uddhav nor Raj possess the same capacity to halt the city. He framed the opposition’s pronouncements as irrelevant to the city’s real governance and public priorities.
Political Context: BMC Polls and Power Play
The broader backdrop to this verbal tussle is the 2026 BMC election, a crucial civic poll in India’s largest municipal body that is often seen as a barometer of urban political influence in Maharashtra. Parties across the political spectrum are jostling for control of the civic powerhouse — one that oversees Mumbai’s governance, infrastructure, and budget.
Raut’s comments reflect not just political bravado but an attempt to rally Marathi voters by evoking a potent symbol of influence — the ability to bring the financial capital to a standstill. Meanwhile, the BJP and its allies have been emphasizing stability, governance, and development over agitation and rhetoric, leveraging recent electoral performances where they have consolidated influence in municipal bodies across Maharashtra.
Why This Matters to Mumbaikars
Mumbai is not just a political prize — it’s India’s financial engine and home to millions of residents whose everyday lives depend on uninterrupted mobility, commerce, and public services. Talk of “shutting down” the city carries strong emotional and practical implications, resonating with history — including past protests and movements like the Maratha Kranti Morcha, which once brought parts of the city to a halt.
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While such statements may energize party cadres, critics argue they risk normalizing disruption in a city that thrives on continuity.
What Leaders Are Saying
Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena (UBT))
✔ Claims the Thackeray family’s influence endures
✔ Emphasizes alliance unity and civic leadership prospects
Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra CM)
✔ Calls opposition claims “empty threats”
✔ Highlights government stability and governance track record
FAQs
Q1. Why did Sanjay Raut say Mumbai can be shut in 10 minutes?
A1. Raut’s remark was meant to signal continued political clout for the Thackeray faction as they prepare for the BMC elections, underlining that their roots and support in Mumbai remain strong.
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Q2. Did Fadnavis agree with that claim?
A2. No — Fadnavis rejected it as exaggerated and called it an “empty threat,” pointing to past events where opposition tactics failed.
Q3. What election is this about?
A3. The comments are linked to the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, a major urban local body election in Maharashtra’s capital.
Q4. What does it mean to “shut down” Mumbai?
A4. Politically, it implies organizing strikes or protests that halt public life — a historically potent protest tactic in Maharashtra politics.
