Marathi Identity Row Deepens as Shrikant Shinde Presses for Swift Relief to 65 Unsafe KDMC Structures

Maharashtra politics saw another sharp exchange as Shiv Sena leader and MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde criticised the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction for what he described as sustained neglect of the “Marathi Manoos” in key urban pockets of the state. His comments came while pressing the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to expedite relief measures for residents living in 65 dangerously dilapidated buildings, an issue he claims the opposition has failed to prioritise.

Addressing media and local representatives, Shinde accused the Uddhav Thackeray led faction of selectively raising issues that suit political optics while staying silent on urgent matters that directly affect Marathi-speaking citizens. He argued that the party’s positioning as the “true protector” of Marathi identity has been undermined by its alleged inaction in KDMC areas.

Shinde emphasised that the state government and local authorities must work in coordination to protect families living in unsafe structures, especially during the monsoon season when risks escalate. According to him, the fate of the 65 buildings has been hanging for years due to bureaucratic delays, lack of political will, and inconsistent follow-up by the previous local leadership an indirect yet clear reference to UBT-controlled bodies.

He urged municipal officials to prioritise structural audits, issue evacuation notices where necessary, and begin rehabilitation procedures without further delay. The MP added that the situation had reached a point where “politics must take a backseat” and safety become the sole focus.

The exchange comes at a time when both Shiv Sena factions are gearing up for upcoming electoral battles. Shinde’s remarks appear strategically timed to reinforce the Eknath Shinde faction’s positioning as the more grounded, citizen-centric arm of the original Sena. By invoking the “Marathi Manoos” narrative long seen as the ideological backbone of the party he drew a clear line between symbolic politics and what he described as “real work on the ground.”

He also claimed that his faction has consistently delivered on infrastructure development, welfare measures, and urban safety, while accusing UBT of preferring social media over fieldwork.

Shinde revealed that he has already initiated dialogues with key state departments to fast-track funds and administrative clearances required for rehabilitation. He stressed that residents must not be displaced without adequate alternative housing and that the government would “ensure no family is left without shelter.”

He further proposed a dedicated task force to monitor the progress of repairs, redevelopment, and beneficiary allocations. His team, he said, is ready to coordinate with RWAs, engineers, and authorities to avoid miscommunication and delays.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have dismissed his remarks as politically motivated, stating that safeguarding Marathi citizens has always been a core priority of the Thackeray-led faction. They added that redevelopment issues stem from long-standing structural challenges that cannot be solved overnight.

With civic concerns now intertwined with identity politics, the confrontation signals a deeper battle for legitimacy within the Marathi voter base. As KDMC residents wait for tangible relief, the political war of words only seems to be intensifying.