Mumbai Birth Alone Does Not Solve Civic Issues, Says CM Fadnavis in Attack on Thackeray Brothers
Mumbai, 10th January 2026: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday launched a sharp political attack on Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, asserting that merely being born in Mumbai does not translate into effective leadership or solutions for the city’s long-standing problems.
Addressing an election rally in Andheri, Fadnavis responded to criticism from the Thackeray brothers, who had earlier claimed that BJP leaders, including Fadnavis, lacked a genuine understanding of Mumbai because they were not born in the city.
Referring to the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, Fadnavis stated that despite being born in Pune, Balasaheb possessed a clear vision for Mumbai and a profound understanding of its civic and developmental challenges.
“Several leaders who were born in Mumbai are now ageing, yet they cannot identify even a single major problem they have resolved for the city,” the Chief Minister said. He questioned whether birthplace alone was enough to merit public praise in the absence of tangible development work for Mumbai’s residents, including Marathi and working-class communities.
Fadnavis highlighted the expansion of Mumbai Metro projects undertaken during the BJP-led government’s tenure, stating that these initiatives have significantly improved urban mobility and transformed the city’s transport infrastructure.
He also addressed the chronic overcrowding in Mumbai’s suburban railway network, acknowledging the daily hardships faced by commuters. According to Fadnavis, the state government held consultations with the Union Railway Ministry, leading to the decision to introduce air-conditioned coaches in suburban local trains to provide safer and more comfortable travel.
The Chief Minister assured commuters that the introduction of air-conditioned coaches would not result in higher fares.
“Even after making suburban trains air-conditioned, second-class ticket prices will remain unchanged. Mumbaikars will be able to travel in AC locals without paying extra,” he said.
Redevelopment Projects Cited:
Fadnavis also referred to major housing redevelopment initiatives, including projects at BDD Chawls and Abhyudaya Nagar, stating that significant progress was achieved under the BJP government.
Questioning the previous administrations led by the Thackerays, the Chief Minister asked what concrete measures had been taken during their tenure to advance redevelopment, rehabilitation, and the welfare of Mumbai’s Marathi population.
