BJP Leader's 'Mumbai is an International City' Remark Sparks Political Row

A political firestorm has erupted in Maharashtra ahead of the high-stakes BMC elections, following controversial remarks about Mumbai's identity. The conflict involves MNS chief Raj Thackeray and a BJP leader, identified in the report as K Annamalai. During a campaign, the speaker advocated for a 'triple engine government' and stated his vision for the city's development. He is quoted as saying, 'Because Bombay is not a Maharashtra city, it's an international city'. This comment triggered a sharp response from Raj Thackeray, who is reported to have used derogatory language. The speaker from the BJP also compared Mumbai's massive budget to that of other metros like Chennai and Bangalore, and outlined a vision where 'no slum should be in Mumbai' in the next seven years.