A political controversy has erupted in Mumbai after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticised the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction for putting up large welcome posters of French President Emmanuel Macron across the city ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reacting on February 17, Raut said that foreign dignitaries are officially welcomed by the government of India and not by political parties seeking visibility. He stressed that diplomatic visits should follow established protocol and decorum. “Shinde’s group has put up posters, hoardings, and banners welcoming Macron everywhere, making it seem as if he is India’s President. Why politicise everything?” Raut questioned, accusing the ruling alliance in Maharashtra of turning an international visit into a political show.
The criticism did not stop there. Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also launched a sharp attack on the state government over the widespread banners and hoardings installed across Mumbai. Taking to X, Thackeray wrote, “Which sensible, forward-looking government indulges in plastering any modern-day global city with shabby hoardings to welcome leaders of other countries?” He argued that such displays damage Mumbai’s global image rather than enhance it.
Thackeray further criticised the display of banners along major infrastructure projects, including the city’s coastal road. “Even the coastal road hasn’t been spared by this really silly behaviour of the regime — I thought the CM, who has travelled globally, would have at least instructed better,” he remarked, indirectly targeting the state leadership.
The row has intensified political tensions between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Eknath Shinde-led faction, with both sides clashing over governance and public messaging. The controversy comes at a time when Prime Minister Modi and President Macron are scheduled to review the progress of the India-France strategic partnership during their Mumbai meeting. The discussions are expected to focus on defence cooperation, digital innovation, green energy initiatives and security collaboration.
