As the counting of votes in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections progresses, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has moved into a commanding position, building a clear edge over its rivals. With leads in around 125 of the total 227 wards, the ruling alliance appears well on course to retain control of Mumbai’s civic body. In contrast, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)–Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) combine is ahead in about 70 seats, placing it firmly in the second position.

The emerging trends have triggered celebrations within the Mahayuti camp, with leaders and supporters expressing confidence about forming the next municipal administration. Amid this political atmosphere, BJP leader Tajinder Bagga stirred controversy by making a sarcastic social media post aimed at the Thackeray family. Bagga shared what he claimed was an online receipt for ordering three “ras malai” sweets, saying they were meant for Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray at their residence, Matoshree.

Posting on X, Bagga wrote that political and ideological differences would continue, but insisted that the Thackerays were not his enemies. The gesture, however, was widely seen as a taunt rather than an olive branch and quickly drew attention across political circles and social media.

The reference to “ras malai” has a deeper political context. During the campaign, BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit president K. Annamalai had sparked a row by remarking that Mumbai was not merely a city of Maharashtra but an “international city.” The comment triggered sharp reactions from Marathi political leaders, especially Raj Thackeray, who accused the BJP of undermining Mumbai’s identity and questioned its commitment to Maharashtra’s cultural and linguistic pride.

Addressing a large public rally at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Dadar, Raj Thackeray hit back strongly at Annamalai, alleging that such statements were part of a larger political mindset that sought to dilute Mumbai’s connection with Maharashtra. In a sarcastic swipe, he referred to the BJP leader as “Rasmalai,” a jibe that has since been picked up by political opponents and supporters alike.