Raj Thackeray Bars MNS Leaders from Media Interaction Amid Language Row
MNS has been in the center of a political storm over the Marathi language issue
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a strict directive to party leaders and workers, prohibiting them from speaking to the media or posting on social media without his explicit permission. The order comes amid a controversy sparked by an assault on a food stall owner for not speaking Marathi, which has escalated into a broader language row in Maharashtra.
In a post on X, Thackeray instructed, “No one from the party should interact with newspapers, news channels, or digital media. Likewise, absolutely do not post videos or reactions on social media.” He further mandated that designated MNS spokespersons must consult him before engaging with the media or expressing opinions online. The directive aims to control the narrative following public backlash over the party’s aggressive stance on promoting Marathi.
The controversy intensified after an NDTV reporter, Sujata Dwivedi, confronted MNS state vice-president Reshma Tapase in a viral exchange. Tapase defended the party’s actions, stating that MNS would file sedition cases against those disrespecting Marathi. When challenged about assault cases against MNS members, she dismissed them, saying, “This is for Marathi and Maharashtra.” Dwivedi pressed further, asking how Tapase would feel if forced to speak another state’s language, citing Karnataka’s similar language disputes. Tapase’s response—“I have not gone to Karnataka because I don’t know the language”—drew widespread attention for its absurdity.
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The language row stems from an attack on a food stall owner, prompting traders to condemn MNS’s tactics. In response, MNS and pro-Marathi groups under the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti staged a counter-protest. Thackeray’s media gag order reflects an attempt to curb further damage as the party navigates growing criticism over its language-based vigilantism.
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