Raj Thackeray Addresses Maharashtra State Officials; Discusses Election Results, Political Strategies, and Future Plans

On January 30, 2025, Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), held a conversation with party officials and Maharashtra Samyukta representatives at the state office in Mumbai. The meeting covered several key points, which are summarized as follows:

1. Following the assembly election results, Thackeray had expressed his views, but remained silent thereafter, not because of quietude, but due to a period of contemplation and analysis. He emphasized that the process of understanding the results and meeting with people continued. He further shared an anecdote about the director Lakshman Utekar, who had met him regarding a movie on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Thackeray recommended viewing the film as a portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj’s sacrifices and emphasized that historical accuracy should be maintained, including proper depictions of the warrior’s actions, such as playing the Lezim dance.
2. Thackeray noted the deep silence that spread across Maharashtra post-election, suggesting that the public had not yet fully processed the results. He recalled that a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had remarked, “Why is there such silence? Did no one win?” implying the lack of celebration despite the victory.
3. Thackeray shared a puzzling incident from Rajubhai Patil’s village, where 1,400 people reside, yet not a single vote went to Patil in the elections. He questioned how this could happen and further highlighted the disparity where a city councillor who previously received over 5,000 votes in a local election, only garnered 2,500 votes in the assembly election.
4. The MNS leader questioned the results of the election, noting that Ajit Pawar had managed to secure more than 40 seats when there were expectations of only a handful. He expressed disbelief that Sharad Pawar, despite his leadership, only received 10 seats, contrasting with Ajit Pawar’s success.
5. Thackeray criticized the methodology of the elections and pointed out that even though the public had voted, their votes seemed to have disappeared, expressing frustration over the apparent manipulation and questioning the fairness of the system.
6. Emphasizing that the party’s past movements and campaigns must be conveyed to the people, Thackeray urged party members to stand firm against misinformation and false propaganda. He stressed that reporters and journalists who spread biased narratives must be answered with facts and clarity.
7. Thackeray further remarked on the political shifts in the country, recalling significant moments from Indian politics, including the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the Janata Party in 1980 and its association with Gandhiism and socialism under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also mentioned how the Congress was criticized for its policies and the shifting allegiances of various parties.
8. The MNS leader discussed the historical political shifts involving prominent figures like Sharad Pawar, who betrayed his own party in 1978 to become Chief Minister. He added that shifts in alliances, such as the Shiv Sena joining the Congress, were common in Maharashtra politics, underscoring the fluidity of political loyalties.
9. Thackeray remarked that, despite political reversals, he never changed his stance for personal gain, questioning the motivations behind others’ political shifts. He also reflected on his own experiences in politics, asserting that his decisions have always been driven by principles, not opportunism.
10. Thackeray expressed his discontent with the way the media operates, alleging that they often fail to investigate issues thoroughly and spread misleading narratives. He also shared an incident where he was accused of supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi but later opposing him. He clarified that his stance on Modi had always been consistent and that any legal action taken against him was based on personal vendettas.
11. Thackeray commented on the BJP’s political tactics, including allegations of corruption against leaders like Hemant Biswa Sarma and Mukul Roy, who were later embraced by the party. He also criticized the BJP for accepting leaders with tainted backgrounds, accusing them of hypocrisy.
12. Referring to the BJP’s actions in Maharashtra, Thackeray noted that those who had been accused of corruption by the party were later accepted into its ranks and made ministers. He pointed out the irony in their changing stances and opportunistic alliances.
13. He also recalled the Shiv Sena’s alliances with various parties, including the Muslim League and Congress, based on strategic necessity. However, he condemned the double standards that are often employed in such alliances, questioning why such alliances were acceptable for others but criticized when his party made similar decisions.
14. Thackeray discussed how figures like Fadnavis and Kirit Somaiya, who had leveled accusations against others, now welcomed those very same individuals into the BJP fold. He raised concerns over the party’s changing allegiances and questioned the credibility of such political shifts.
15. In his closing remarks, Thackeray told the gathering that elections would be held when necessary but advised them not to waste resources prematurely. He assured that a new code of conduct would be introduced within the next 15 days, detailing each individual’s responsibilities within the party.
16. Reflecting on his own journey, Thackeray stated that he had seen many defeats but never allowed them to demoralize him, nor did he let victory lead him to complacency. He asserted that he would never lead people who are disheartened by failure or overly intoxicated by success.
17. Thackeray reaffirmed his commitment to working for the Marathi community and Hindus, declaring that he would fulfill this dream, though it may take time.

The meeting ended with Thackeray reiterating his dedication to the cause and his unwavering belief in the party’s vision for Maharashtra’s future.

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