A City That Feels Like Home
Mumbai is more than just a city—it’s a living, breathing mosaic of dreams, cultures, and stories. From the bustling streets of Colaba to the quiet corners of Andheri, it’s a place where millions find their rhythm. On September 20, 2025, Ashish Shelar, the Mumbai BJP chief, stood at The Indian Express town hall, speaking not just as a politician but as a Mumbaikar with a deep love for his city. His message was clear: Mumbai’s unique identity—its spirit, its safety, and its vibrant diversity—must be protected at all costs.
A Call to Safeguard Mumbai’s Essence
Shelar’s words struck a chord as he spoke about the challenges Mumbai faces. “Look at cities in the West,” he said, his voice carrying both concern and conviction. “Some have lost their core because of radical influences, ignored by silent citizens or overly liberal leaders. We can’t let Mumbai’s color fade like that.” For Shelar, preserving Mumbai’s identity isn’t just a political stance—it’s about ensuring the city remains a safe, welcoming home for its people, no matter their background.
He painted a picture of a Mumbai where every citizen feels secure, where the city’s chaotic yet beautiful blend of cultures thrives without fear of being overshadowed. “Safety and security are non-negotiable,” he stressed, emphasizing that Mumbai must stand strong against any forces that threaten its harmony. It’s a sentiment that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the city’s pulse—the rickshaw drivers navigating traffic, the students chasing dreams, the families building lives in its crowded lanes.
A Vision for the BMC Elections
With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on the horizon, Shelar laid out a roadmap grounded in transparency and progress. “We want a clean, accountable administration,” he said, promising to listen to Mumbaikars’ voices through a citizen-driven manifesto. He pointed to the BJP’s 11-year legacy in the city—roads built, projects launched, lives touched—as proof of their commitment. “This isn’t about promises; it’s about what we’ve already done and will keep doing,” he added, his words carrying the weight of experience.
When asked about a potential alliance between Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s MNS, Shelar was unfazed. “Partnerships don’t win elections—performance does,” he said with a smile, confident that Mumbai’s voters would choose results over rhetoric. It was a reminder that, in a city as pragmatic as Mumbai, actions speak louder than alliances.
Owning the Past, Building the Future
Shelar didn’t shy away from the BJP’s past in the BMC, where they shared power with Shiv Sena until 2017. “We’ve learned, we’ve grown, and we’re ready to do better,” he admitted candidly. It was a human moment—an acknowledgment that mistakes happen, but the focus now is on delivering a Mumbai that’s cleaner, safer, and stronger.
A Personal Connection to Mumbai’s Heart
Listening to Shelar, you could feel his connection to Mumbai—not just as a leader but as someone who knows its streets, its struggles, and its spirit. His vision isn’t about grand slogans; it’s about the little things that make Mumbai, Mumbai—the smell of vada pav at a roadside stall, the chatter of locals on a crowded train, the skyline that feels like a promise of possibility. “We’re here to protect what makes this city ours,” he said, and you could tell he meant every word.
As the town hall wrapped up, Shelar left the audience with a sense of purpose: Mumbai’s identity is worth fighting for. It’s a call to every Mumbaikar to cherish their city, to keep it safe, and to ensure it remains the vibrant, chaotic, beautiful home we all love.
