Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut recently stirred political waters by claiming that the Thackeray family possesses the power to shut down Mumbai within a mere ten minutes. Speaking during an NDTV Power Play interview, Raut emphasized that "The Thackerays can never be wiped out. We can still shut down Mumbai in 10 minutes." This strong assertion comes amidst the heating political climate in Maharashtra, particularly ahead of the high-stakes elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India's wealthiest civic body. The statement also followed the recent reunion of cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, a significant development in state politics after two decades. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, quickly dismissed Raut's pronouncements as nothing more than "empty threats." Fadnavis countered by stating that while such a show of force might have been possible during the lifetime of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, the current leadership lacks that influence. He cited the example of Eknath Shinde's successful entry into Mumbai with 50 MLAs to form the government, despite earlier threats, as proof that the Thackerays no longer wield the same power to bring the city to a standstill. This escalating war of words highlights the intense political maneuvering and power struggle unfolding in Mumbai and Maharashtra, with the BMC elections serving as a critical battleground for various factions. The claims and rebuttals reflect the deep-seated rivalries and the assertion of regional pride, particularly for the 'Marathi asmita' or Marathi identity.