‘We Can Still Shut Down Mumbai’: Sanjay Raut’s Bold Claim Sets Off Political Sparring
A strong political statement by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has reignited debate over the continuing influence of the Thackeray family in Maharashtra politics. Speaking at an NDTV Power Play event, Raut claimed that the Thackerays still have the power to bring Mumbai to a standstill within minutes, despite recent electoral setbacks and internal party splits.
His remark immediately drew a sharp response from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who dismissed the statement as an empty threat and questioned whether the Shiv Sena of today still wields the street power it once did.
The exchange has added fuel to an already heated political atmosphere ahead of the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for 2026.
What Sanjay Raut Said at NDTV Power Play
‘The Thackerays Can Never Be Wiped Out’
Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP and one of the most vocal leaders of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction, spoke with confidence about the family’s political legacy.
He said the Thackerays remain deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s political and cultural identity and warned against underestimating their influence. According to Raut, the family’s bond with Mumbai and the Marathi-speaking population remains strong enough to mobilise people quickly.
Raut’s statement was framed as a reminder of the Shiv Sena’s historical ability to control the streets of Mumbai, a power it famously exercised during the era of Bal Thackeray.
Devendra Fadnavis Hits Back
‘That Power Died With Bal Thackeray’
Responding to Raut’s comments at the same event later in the day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis brushed aside the claim, calling it political bravado without substance.
Fadnavis pointed out that similar warnings were issued in the past, particularly when Eknath Shinde split the Shiv Sena and later formed the government with BJP support. Despite threats, Shinde entered Mumbai with dozens of MLAs and successfully took charge of the state government.
According to Fadnavis, the Shiv Sena’s ability to shut down Mumbai existed during Bal Thackeray’s lifetime, but that era is over. He argued that the current leadership no longer commands the same level of mass influence.
Thackeray Cousins Reunite After 20 Years
A Strategic Move Before BMC Elections
Raut’s comments come soon after the reunion of cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, a political development that has caught the attention of both supporters and rivals.
The two leaders, who had remained politically distant for nearly two decades, are coming together ahead of the upcoming BMC elections. Control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is seen as crucial, given its massive budget and influence over Mumbai’s civic administration.
Raut described the reunion as a family matter rather than a political bargain, stressing the blood ties between the two cousins. He said their coming together should not be seen as unusual, given their shared legacy.
‘If I Played a Role, I Feel Fortunate’
Raut on the Reunion
While downplaying his role, Raut admitted he was close to both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray and expressed happiness over their reconciliation.
He said the reunion reflects maturity and a willingness to put larger interests above past differences. According to him, the timing of the alliance makes sense, given the political challenges facing both leaders.
Ideological Differences and Compromise
Can Shiv Sena and MNS Work Together?
One of the biggest questions surrounding the reunion is whether Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena can truly align, given their differing political styles and priorities.
Raut acknowledged these differences but argued that Indian politics has seen many unlikely alliances in the past. He cited Shiv Sena’s earlier partnership with the Congress, despite ideological contrasts, as an example of compromise for political stability.
According to Raut, Raj Thackeray’s party may need to soften its stand on certain issues for the alliance to work. He warned that politics based purely on rivalry and hostility weakens the country and damages democratic values.
‘The Thackerays Are a Brand’
Marathi Identity at the Core
Raut strongly linked the Thackeray name to the idea of Maharashtra and the Marathi-speaking population. He said the Thackeray brand goes beyond elections and political parties, representing pride, identity, and cultural assertion.
In his view, the survival of the Thackerays in politics is closely tied to the interests of the Marathi Manoos. He argued that a united Thackeray front would strengthen regional identity while also offering stable leadership in Mumbai.
BMC Elections 2026: The Real Battleground
‘The Mayor Will Be Ours’
Looking ahead to the BMC elections, Raut confidently predicted that the next mayor of Mumbai would come from the Thackeray-led alliance.
He insisted that Uddhav and Raj Thackeray are not separate political forces but part of the same broader vision. According to him, their unity sends a strong signal to voters who feel disillusioned by recent political upheavals in the city.
The BMC elections are expected to be one of the most fiercely contested civic polls in recent years, with BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT), Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and MNS all eyeing control.
No Going Back with Eknath Shinde
A Line Drawn Clearly
Raut also made it clear that reconciliation with Eknath Shinde is not an option for the Uddhav Thackeray faction.
He accused Shinde of betraying the party and said there was no question of working together again. The statement reinforces the deep divide within the Shiv Sena that emerged after the dramatic split and change of government in Maharashtra.
Why This Political Exchange Matters
Beyond Rhetoric
While Raut’s claim about shutting down Mumbai may sound dramatic, it reflects a deeper political battle over relevance, legacy, and power.
For the Shiv Sena (UBT), the message is about asserting continued influence despite losing control of the party symbol and government. For the BJP and Devendra Fadnavis, dismissing such claims helps reinforce the narrative that the old style of street politics no longer works.
As Mumbai prepares for a crucial civic election, statements like these are likely to become more frequent, louder, and sharper.
What Lies Ahead
The reunion of the Thackeray cousins has reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape, at least symbolically. Whether it translates into electoral success remains to be seen.
What is certain is that the Thackeray name still sparks strong emotions, both among supporters and critics. As the countdown to the BMC elections begins, Mumbai is set to witness an intense political contest where legacy, governance, and street power will all be tested.
