Political Tensions Rise Over Annamalai's Mumbai Remarks Ahead of BMC Elections

A political dispute has intensified ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections after Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai described Mumbai as an 'international city' rather than solely Maharashtra's capital. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray mocked Annamalai with the term 'rasmalai' and revived a 1960s anti-South Indian slogan, prompting Annamalai to challenge threats against him and assert his intent to campaign in Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS criticized Annamalai's remarks as undermining Maharashtra's identity, while Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde distanced the Shiv Sena from Annamalai's comments, reaffirming Mumbai's inseparability from Maharashtra. The controversy highlights regional sensitivities and political tensions in the run-up to the elections.