Fadnavis Defends Annamalai Over Mumbai Remark, Blames Language Mix-up

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has come to the defense of BJP leader K Annamalai, who sparked a controversy by referring to Mumbai as 'Bombay', an international city. Fadnavis attributed the remark to a language mix-up, citing limited proficiency in local dialects. In a statement, Fadnavis said Annamalai's use of the term 'Bombay' was likely due to a mistake, rather than an intentional insult to the city. He questioned the language used by opposition leaders, including Raj Thackeray, who referenced an anti-South slogan and asked locals to oust people from Tamil Nadu. The controversy began after Annamalai's remarks at a rally on January 9, where he said Mumbai was not Maharashtra's city, but an international one. Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena and the MNS, responded sharply, with Aaditya Thackeray accusing the BJP of wanting to insult and loot Maharashtra. Annamalai hit back at the criticism, saying he was proud to be a farmer's son and that his remarks were being taken out of context. He argued that referring to Mumbai as a world-class city did not mean that Maharashtrians did not build it. Fadnavis' statement has sparked a debate on language proficiency and the importance of respecting local dialects. While some have defended Annamalai's remarks as a genuine mistake, others have criticized him for not being aware of the city's history and cultural significance. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Annamalai's remarks will have any impact on the upcoming municipal polls in Maharashtra.