Raj Thackeray’s Fiery Call For Marathi Unity: Warns Gujaratis Against ‘Too Much Drama’
Raj Thackeray’s Fiery Call For Marathi Unity: Warns Gujaratis Against ‘Too Much Drama’
Mumbai, July 5, 2025: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray unleashed a scathing attack during the “Vijayi Melava” at Worli Dome, where he shared the stage with his cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray after nearly two decades. The mega rally was organized to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s rollback of its controversial Hindi language policy for primary schools.
Speaking to a packed hall, Raj Thackeray targeted the government and warned against attempts to divide Maharashtrians on caste lines. “They will soon start playing the caste card again. Their politics is to ensure that Marathi people never unite,” he thundered, earning thunderous applause and whistles from MNS supporters.
Addressing the issue of non-Marathi speaking communities in Mumbai, particularly Gujaratis, Raj clarified:
“Gujaratis living in Maharashtra must learn Marathi—that’s non-negotiable. There’s no need for unnecessary violence. But if they create too much drama, they deserve a tight slap,” he said, triggering loud cheers from the audience.
Raj cited past incidents where his party workers were accused of attacking non-Marathi traders and urged restraint, saying: “There’s no need for unprovoked violence. But if someone is deliberately disrespectful, teach them a lesson—but don’t record videos of such incidents.”
He emphasized that unity among Marathi people is critical and accused the ruling dispensation of trying to fragment society along caste lines to weaken Marathi identity.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Raj spoke fondly of his Gujarati friend Nayan Shah, who, he said, speaks flawless Marathi and listens to legendary Marathi writer Pu La Deshpande on his headphones while jogging at Shivaji Park. “This is the kind of Marathi connection we need in everyone living here,” he remarked.
The event marks a rare public show of unity between the two estranged Thackeray cousins and has raised political speculations ahead of upcoming civic polls in Mumbai.
