K. Annamalai Responds to Raj Thackeray's Criticism Over Mumbai Remarks
In a recent press conference, K. Annamalai of the BJP addressed Raj Thackeray's attempts to insult him over his comments about Mumbai. Annamalai expressed pride in his roots and challenged the authority of Thackeray and his family to intimidate him. He emphasized the significance of Mumbai as an international city and highlighted the need for effective governance. Annamalai also revealed threats he has received, showcasing his determination to visit Mumbai despite them. This exchange underscores the ongoing political tensions in Maharashtra, particularly regarding regional identity and unity.
| Jan 12, 2026, 12:50 IST
Annamalai's Reaction to Thackeray's Comments
On Monday, K. Annamalai, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Tamil Nadu, addressed the media in Chennai, responding to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's recent comments aimed at humiliating him. Annamalai dismissed the criticism regarding his previous remarks about Mumbai, stating that only the uninformed would critique him. He questioned the authority of Aditya Thackeray and Raj Thackeray to intimidate him, expressing pride in being a farmer's son. He remarked that the gatherings organized to insult him made him wonder about his significance.
Previously, during a joint rally of the UBT and MNS in Mumbai, Raj Thackeray had sharply criticized Annamalai, mockingly referring to him as 'Rasmalai' and questioning his right to speak on Mumbai issues, given Annamalai's assertion that Mumbai is an international city. Thackeray referenced slogans from the Shiv Sena, founded by his uncle Balasaheb Thackeray, from the 1960s and 70s, questioning Annamalai's connection to the city.
This statement from Thackeray followed Annamalai's comments while campaigning in the Dharavi and Sion Koliwada areas, where he stated, 'Mumbai is not just a city of Maharashtra; it is an international city.' He emphasized the need for a tri-engine government in Mumbai, advocating for a BJP mayor, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the center. Annamalai highlighted that Mumbai's budget exceeds ₹40,000 crores, contrasting it with Bengaluru's ₹19,000 crores and Chennai's ₹8,000 crores, stressing the need for competent administration in financial management.
Furthermore, Annamalai claimed to have received multiple threats, including one where individuals threatened to cut off his legs if he visited Mumbai. He boldly stated, 'I will come to Mumbai—try to cut my legs. If I were afraid of such threats, I would stay in my village.' He added, 'If I say Kamaraj is one of India's greatest leaders, does that mean he is no longer Tamil? Similarly, if I say Mumbai is a world-class city, does that imply it was not built by Maharashtrians? These people are utterly ignorant.'
During the same UBT-MNS rally, Raj Thackeray made a passionate appeal for Marathi unity, warning that the state's language, land, and identity are under threat.