Won’t Allow Bihar Bhawan in Mumbai”: Raj Thackeray’s MNS Leader Issues 10-Point Warning

MNS leader says Bihar Bhawan will not be allowed in Mumbai, sparking a political row. Here’s what Raj Thackeray’s party said and why

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after a senior leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, declared that the party would not allow the construction of a Bihar Bhawan in Mumbai. The statement has triggered sharp reactions across political circles, reigniting long-standing debates over regional identity, migration, and the use of public land in India’s financial capital.

The issue, which touches upon sensitive questions of federalism, regional pride, and inter-state relations, has once again placed Mumbai at the center of a political storm.

The row began when an MNS leader publicly opposed the proposal to build a Bihar Bhawan in Mumbai, stating that such a move would not be permitted. The leader argued that Mumbai already faces immense pressure on infrastructure, housing, and public resources, and allowing a state guest house or cultural center for Bihar would further strain the city.

According to the MNS, Mumbai belongs to Maharashtra, and priority should be given to the needs and aspirations of the local Marathi population rather than to what they termed as “symbolic political projects” for other states.

The statement quickly went viral, drawing both support and criticism from various quarters.

Bihar Bhawan is typically a state-run guest house or cultural center meant to serve as an official residence and administrative hub for the state government’s representatives when they visit another city. Such bhawans often host visiting ministers, officials, cultural events, and community gatherings.

Several Indian states have similar establishments in New Delhi and other major cities. These bhawans are meant to facilitate inter-state cooperation and provide accommodation for officials and dignitaries.

The proposal to build a Bihar Bhawan in Mumbai is reportedly aimed at:

Providing accommodation for Bihar government officials
Hosting cultural programs showcasing Bihar’s heritage
Serving as a coordination center for administrative work
Offering support services for Bihar residents visiting Mumbai

However, the plan has now run into political resistance.

The MNS leader opposing the project cited multiple reasons for rejecting the proposal:

Pressure on Infrastructure
Mumbai is already struggling with overcrowding, traffic congestion, water shortages, and housing shortages. Adding another major government facility, they argued, would worsen these issues.
Scarcity of Land
Land in Mumbai is among the most expensive in the country. The MNS leader questioned why scarce public land should be allocated to another state’s facility instead of being used for local housing, schools, hospitals, or civic amenities.
Regional Identity Concerns
The party reiterated its long-standing stance of prioritizing the rights and interests of Marathi-speaking residents and the local population.
Symbolic Politics
The MNS claimed that the Bihar Bhawan proposal was more about political symbolism than actual public benefit.
Urban Planning Issues
They warned that unplanned development of such projects could disrupt Mumbai’s already strained urban ecosystem.

The MNS statement has drawn swift reactions from leaders across party lines.

From Bihar Leaders:
Several Bihar politicians condemned the remarks, calling them discriminatory and divisive. They argued that every Indian citizen has the right to live and work anywhere in the country, and that inter-state cooperation should be encouraged, not opposed.

Some Bihar leaders accused the MNS of reviving regional chauvinism and targeting migrants for political gain.

Leaders from the ruling alliance in Maharashtra took a cautious stance, distancing themselves from the MNS leader’s comments. While some acknowledged Mumbai’s infrastructure challenges, they stressed that decisions about land allocation and state guest houses should be handled through proper administrative and legal channels.

From the Opposition:
Opposition parties criticized the MNS for stoking regional tensions, warning that such rhetoric could harm social harmony and Mumbai’s reputation as a cosmopolitan city.

The controversy is not happening in isolation. The MNS has a long history of advocating for the rights of Marathi-speaking residents and opposing what it sees as unchecked migration into Mumbai.

Founded by Raj Thackeray in 2006 after splitting from the Shiv Sena, the MNS has often taken strong positions on:

Use of Marathi language
Employment for locals
Migration from other states
Cultural identity

In the past, the party has opposed North Indian migrants, protested against non-Marathi signboards, and raised issues about job reservations for locals.

The Bihar Bhawan row is being seen by many as a continuation of this ideological stance.

Mumbai is home to millions of migrants from across India, including large populations from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and southern states. The city’s economy depends heavily on migrant labor in sectors such as:

Construction
Transport
Domestic work
Manufacturing
Services
Entertainment

Critics argue that opposing a Bihar Bhawan sends a negative message to migrant communities who have contributed to Mumbai’s growth for decades.

They point out that Mumbai’s identity as India’s financial capital and cultural melting pot has been shaped by people from diverse backgrounds.

From a legal standpoint, the construction of a Bihar Bhawan in Mumbai would require:

Allocation of land by the Maharashtra government
Approval from urban planning authorities
Compliance with environmental and zoning regulations
Budgetary clearances

Experts say that a political party has no legal authority to block such a project unless it involves violations of law or public interest concerns.

Any opposition to the project would need to be addressed through democratic and legal means rather than political pressure.

The controversy could have broader implications for relations between Maharashtra and Bihar.

It may strain political ties between the two states.
It could discourage future inter-state collaboration.
It may affect the morale of migrant workers from Bihar living in Mumbai.

Some analysts warn that such disputes could set a troubling precedent if other states begin opposing similar facilities.

At the heart of the controversy lies a fundamental question:

Should scarce urban land in Mumbai be used for state guest houses, or should it be prioritized for local civic needs?

Supporters of the MNS view argue that:

Mumbai needs more affordable housing, not political buildings.
Infrastructure development should benefit local residents first.
State bhawans should ideally be located in New Delhi, not in already congested cities.

Opponents counter that:

A Bihar Bhawan would occupy a relatively small area.
Such facilities promote cultural exchange and administrative coordination.
Other states already have similar establishments.
It would not significantly impact Mumbai’s infrastructure burden.

Reactions from Mumbai residents have been mixed.

Supporters of the MNS stance
Some locals echoed concerns about land scarcity and infrastructure strain. They said Mumbai does not have the capacity to host more large government facilities.

Critics of the statement
Others called the remarks divisive and unnecessary. They stressed that Mumbai belongs to all Indians and that targeting a specific state sends the wrong message.

The Maharashtra government has not officially approved the Bihar Bhawan proposal.
Bihar leaders are expected to take up the matter diplomatically.
Civil society groups may intervene to promote dialogue.

Political observers believe the issue may fade if no formal proposal moves forward. However, if land allocation discussions progress, the controversy is likely to intensify.

Regionalism vs. federal unity
Urban development vs. cultural symbolism
Local identity vs. migrant integration

It also underscores how infrastructure decisions can quickly become political flashpoints in a highly polarized environment.

Won’t Allow Bihar Bhawan in Mumbai”: Raj Thackeray’s MNS Leader Issues 10-Point Warning