Raj Thackeray Launches ‘Maharashtra Next’, Criticises Govt Over Debt, Drugs, And Governance Failures
Raj Thackeray Launches ‘Maharashtra Next’, Criticises Govt Over Debt, Drugs, And Governance Failures
Mumbai, March 20, 2026: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday unveiled a citizen-driven initiative, ‘Maharashtra Next’, aimed at creating a new development blueprint for the state. The launch, held during the Gudi Padwa rally at Shivaji Park, also marked the 20th anniversary of the party’s foundation.
Thackeray emphasised that the initiative would encourage public participation, allowing citizens to contribute ideas to shape Maharashtra’s future. He criticised the current government’s development model as being limited to infrastructure projects like roads and flyovers, lacking a comprehensive vision for employment, regional balance, cultural preservation, and long-term growth.
Addressing state finances, Thackeray highlighted Maharashtra’s debt, which has risen to nearly ₹11 lakh crore, compared with approximately ₹2 lakh crore during former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan’s tenure.
He also targeted law and order, noting widespread drug abuse, including among students, and thousands of missing children each year in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Alleging governance failures, Thackeray claimed that the system is increasingly dominated by contractors and financial interests, with minimal oversight.
Rural development, or the lack thereof, was another key concern raised. Thackeray warned that insufficient support for villages was driving mass migration to already congested cities. He also cautioned that Maharashtra’s linguistic and cultural identity could be at risk if proactive steps were not taken.
The Maharashtra Next initiative, according to Thackeray, is designed to offer an alternative vision for the state, informed by public input and focused on long-term structural reforms to ensure sustainable growth and improved governance.
