BJP leader K. Annamalai's statement that "Bombay is not a Maharashtra city" while campaigning for Mumbai civic elections has sparked a political row. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut demanded Annamalai's arrest, questioning the BJP's stance and criticizing the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Maharashtra BJP Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule suggested the comment might be misunderstood. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena distanced itself, affirming Mumbai's integral part in Maharashtra and its Marathi identity.