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Raj Thackeray Accuses Union Minister of 'Cultural Imperialism' Over Bombay vs Mumbai Naming Clash

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 9:37 GMT by The Hans India

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Bombay vs Mumbai: The Growing Rift and Raj Thackeray’s Bold Rebuke of Jitendra Singh

In a sharp episode that underscores the enduring cultural and political cleavages in Maharashtra, Raj Thackeray—leader of the break‑away Shiv Sena faction, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)—has publicly slammed Union Minister Jitendra Singh over what he calls a “cultural assault” on the city’s heritage. The clash, which erupted in the wake of a recent government statement on the use of “Bombay” versus “Mumbai,” has ignited a flurry of commentary across the state’s political spectrum.

1. The Name That Divides

Mumbai, formerly Bombay, was officially renamed in 1995 under a state government that sought to assert Marathi identity in the wake of the Bombay riots of 1992‑93. The move was codified in the Maharashtra Naming and Signage Act, which mandates that all public signage bear the Marathi name “Mumbai.” Yet, “Bombay” remains a stubbornly popular nickname, especially among older generations and diaspora communities. The dual usage has, over the years, become a lightning rod for political opportunism.

The most recent spark came from a statement by a senior BJP cabinet minister, Jitendra Singh, who criticized the state government’s insistence on using “Mumbai” in official documents. Singh, who chairs the Ministry of Rural Development, allegedly said that the insistence on “Mumbai” “tends to alienate the nation’s cosmopolitan identity” and “creates a wedge between the centre and the state.” His remarks were quickly seized upon by political rivals.

2. Raj Thackeray’s Counter‑Attack

In a scathing response, Raj Thackeray slammed Singh’s comments as “cultural imperialism” and “a direct affront to the people of Maharashtra.” In a statement released by the MNS headquarters in Mumbai, Thackeray said:

“The words ‘Bombay’ have deep roots in our city’s history. To erase them is to rewrite our past. The centre cannot dictate how we remember our own heritage.”

Thackeray went further, alleging that Singh’s remarks were an attempt by the centre to “soften the hard line” that his own party has championed for Marathi identity. “We are not here to fight politics of the centre,” he added. “We are here to fight for the soul of Maharashtra.”

The MNS has long positioned itself as the defender of “Maharashtra’s soul.” Its leader, Raj Thackeray, split from the original Shiv Sena in 2006, accusing it of becoming too close to the BJP. The new faction has consistently used the “Bombay” nomenclature in its rallies, manifestos, and media outreach, insisting that the legacy of the pre‑1995 city cannot be erased.

3. Political Ramifications

The exchange has had ripple effects across the political landscape. The BJP’s state unit has issued a terse statement calling Thackeray’s remarks “unnecessary” and “unpatriotic.” BJP spokesperson Shivnath Sahu stated that “the centre is not taking sides, but ensuring that national unity is upheld.”

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) have taken a more neutral stance, urging both parties to move beyond the naming debate. “The question of the city’s name should not become a political tool for division,” said NCP leader Ajit Pawar. “What matters is how we govern the city and its citizens.”

The controversy has also touched the administrative side. Municipal officials reported an uptick in complaints about signage inconsistencies: some areas still display “Bombay” on billboards and government notices, while others have been updated to “Mumbai.” In the state capital, a newly inaugurated government building was officially titled “Bombay City Hall” in a gesture that many MNS supporters hailed as a victory.

4. Cultural Resonance

Beyond politics, the debate touches on broader cultural identity. Several authors and historians have weighed in. Dr. Aditi Bhanot, a professor of Urban Studies at the University of Mumbai, explained that “names carry power. The renaming was part of a larger narrative that sought to localise the city’s identity in the post‑colonial era.” She added that “however, the persistence of ‘Bombay’ in popular culture—films, music, and everyday conversation—shows that identity is not just a bureaucratic label.”

The cultural dimension is further complicated by the city’s cosmopolitan legacy. “Bombay was the name that resonated across the world,” said filmmaker Rohit Mehra, whose latest documentary explores the city’s golden age. “To erase that is to silence a vital part of our cultural memory.”

5. Looking Ahead

As the row escalates, political analysts predict that the naming debate will remain a potent issue in the upcoming Maharashtra state elections. While the BJP and its allies continue to push for a standardized use of “Mumbai,” the MNS and its supporters see the debate as a rallying point for regional pride.

The Union government, meanwhile, appears to be walking a tightrope. By issuing a statement that acknowledges the city’s dual heritage, it hopes to placate both sides. The central Ministry of Urban Development released a briefing that states: “The dual usage of ‘Bombay’ and ‘Mumbai’ is accepted in informal contexts, but official documents will remain consistent with the legal name.”

In an age where identity politics and heritage often collide, the Bombay vs Mumbai row serves as a reminder that the stories we choose to write—or erase—have lasting impacts. Whether the centre or the state will prevail remains to be seen, but the debate will likely continue to shape the political and cultural contours of Maharashtra for years to come.