As campaigning intensifies ahead of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has once again brought the spotlight back on linguistic identity and regional pride. This time, the flashpoint emerged along the Mumbai–Nashik National Highway in Bhiwandi, where the name of a roadside eatery became a political statement.

While touring the region as part of his outreach for the January 15 civic polls, Thackeray noticed a dhaba prominently displaying the name “Bombay” on its signboard. The moment quickly turned symbolic, as the MNS chief objected to the continued use of what he considers a colonial-era name, arguing that it undermines the city’s Marathi identity.

Campaign Trail Turns Into Cultural Assertion

Travelling from Kalyan to Bhiwandi, Raj Thackeray paused his campaign convoy after spotting the sign. For MNS, which has long positioned itself as the guardian of Marathi language and culture, the use of “Bombay” instead of “Mumbai” remains a sensitive issue even decades after the city’s official renaming.

Thackeray’s objection resonated strongly with party workers accompanying him, transforming the campaign stop into a moment of assertive symbolism rather than a routine political visit.

MNS Workers Act Immediately

Following Thackeray’s directions, MNS activists reached the dhaba and removed the signboard, insisting that the establishment adopt a name reflecting local identity. The incident unfolded rapidly, with visuals circulating widely on social media soon after, drawing sharp reactions from across the political spectrum.

Supporters of the MNS hailed the move as a reaffirmation of Marathi asmita, while critics questioned the timing and tone amid an already charged election atmosphere.

Identity Politics Takes Centre Stage Before Polls

With municipal elections approaching, the episode highlights how cultural and linguistic identity is once again emerging as a key campaign theme. As parties scramble to consolidate voter bases, issues tied to regional pride are being pushed to the forefront, particularly in urban and semi-urban pockets like Bhiwandi.