Mumbai BMC Elections 2026: “What Criminal Behaviour Is This?” — Aaditya Thackeray Snaps at Reporter in 30-Second Viral Video
Aaditya Thackeray snaps at a TV reporter during Mumbai BMC Elections 2026, asking “What criminal behaviour is this?” in a viral video
Campaigning for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and other civic polls is ongoing, with a high-stakes battle between the MNS–Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance and the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance. Voting will take place on 15 January, while the counting of votes is scheduled for 16 January.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Friday lost his cool on a female television channel reporter when asked whether it was justified to beat people in the name of Maratha pride.
The incident took place at INS Towers in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). A video of the incident has surfaced. The footage shows Aaditya Thackeray speaking to a senior editor when the reporter approaches him with a question. He can be seen politely stating that he was having a private conversation and asking her to “behave in a dignified manner and not barge into a private conversation.”
Despite Thackeray’s request, the reporter continues to interrupt the private conversation. “In the name of Maratha pride is it justified to beat people?” the reporter can be heard asking.
Following this, Aaditya can be seen losing his cool and getting angry and snapping back at the reporter, saying, “What beahaviour is this? What criminal behaviour is this?”
The video has received more than 20.2K views within just two hours of being posted on Instagram.
Meanwhile, a joint rally by Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on 11 January is expected to draw massive crowds and attract statewide attention, showcasing the alliance’s strength.
The following day, separate rallies by the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the BJP will test their ability to mobilise supporters, turning Shivaji Park into the battleground for Mumbai’s most closely watched civic contest.
The BMC elections are set to take place in a single phase on 15 January across Mumbai’s 227 wards, with counting and results scheduled for 16 January.
The political temperature in Mumbai ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Elections 2026 rose sharply after a video showing Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray in a heated exchange with a television reporter began circulating widely on social media. The clip, which has since gone viral, captures Thackeray visibly angry as he questions the reporter’s conduct, asking, “What criminal behaviour is this?”
The incident has triggered a fresh round of debate over media conduct, political accountability, and the increasingly charged atmosphere surrounding one of India’s most high-stakes civic elections.
The video appears to have been recorded during a media interaction amid Aaditya Thackeray’s public engagements related to the upcoming BMC polls. As reporters surrounded the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, one journalist repeatedly pressed him with questions despite Thackeray requesting space and time.
At one point, an irritated Aaditya Thackeray is heard confronting the reporter, accusing him of crossing professional boundaries and questioning the manner in which the questions were being asked. His sharp remark — “What criminal behaviour is this?” — quickly became the focal point of the video.
Within hours, the clip spread across social media platforms, drawing mixed reactions from political supporters, critics, journalists, and neutral observers.
The BMC elections are considered a crucial political battleground in Maharashtra. Control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, India’s richest civic body, carries enormous administrative and political significance.
For the Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray with Aaditya Thackeray as one of its most prominent faces, the elections are being seen as a test of political strength in Mumbai following major shifts in Maharashtra’s political landscape over recent years.
As campaigning intensifies, public appearances by senior leaders are drawing intense media scrutiny, often leading to tense interactions between politicians and reporters.
The viral video sparked swift reactions across party lines. Supporters of Aaditya Thackeray defended him, arguing that the reporter’s behaviour was aggressive and intrusive. They claimed that political leaders deserve basic courtesy and space, especially during crowded public interactions.
On the other hand, opposition leaders and critics accused Thackeray of being intolerant of tough questions, stating that media scrutiny is an essential part of a democratic process, particularly during elections.
Some political commentators described the episode as a reflection of the high-pressure environment of election campaigning, where tempers often flare on both sides.
The incident has also reignited a broader debate over media ethics and professional conduct. Journalists’ associations and media observers pointed out that while reporters have the right to ask questions, they must also respect personal space and adhere to ethical standards.
Several senior journalists weighed in, calling for mutual respect between politicians and the media. They stressed that confrontational reporting may generate viral moments but can undermine meaningful political discourse.
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, memes, and commentary following the video’s release. While some users praised Aaditya Thackeray for “standing his ground,” others criticised his reaction as excessive.
The video trended widely under hashtags related to the BMC elections, Aaditya Thackeray, and media behaviour, further amplifying its reach and impact.
As of now, Aaditya Thackeray has not issued a detailed statement clarifying his remarks in the video. However, party sources indicated that the leader felt provoked by repeated questioning and crowding, which he believed crossed professional limits.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have maintained that their focus remains on governance issues, civic development, and presenting a strong agenda for Mumbai ahead of the elections.
The episode highlights the increasingly confrontational nature of political communication in the age of viral videos and 24/7 news coverage. With elections approaching, even brief exchanges can quickly snowball into major political talking points.
For voters, the incident offers a glimpse into the pressures faced by political leaders and the evolving dynamics between politicians and the media.
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