Raj Thackeray Questions Vivek Oberoi, R Madhavan's Decision to Live in Dubai

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has questioned actors Vivek Oberoi and R. Madhavan over their decision to live in Dubai while publicly praising the Narendra Modi-led central government. Addressing an event organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena, the student wing of the MNS, in Mumbai, Thackeray argued that if they believed India had progressed significantly under the current government, they should choose to live in the country rather than abroad. His remarks came during a broader criticism of the Centre's policies and economic record.

Referring to Vivek Oberoi, who portrayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2019 biographical film PM Narendra Modi, Thackeray questioned the actor's decision to relocate to Dubai. He also mentioned R. Madhavan, asking why the actor, who has praised Prime Minister Modi on several occasions, had settled in the United Arab Emirates. Thackeray further alleged that actors participate in films supportive of the government before returning to live overseas with their families.

Both actors have previously explained the reasons behind their relocation. R. Madhavan has stated that he moved to Dubai during the COVID-19 pandemic to support his son's professional swimming career, while Vivek Oberoi has said that his move was driven by business interests. Neither actor has publicly responded to Thackeray's latest remarks at the time of publication.

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During the same address, Raj Thackeray also commented on the language used against Prime Minister Modi during recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He described the abusive remarks directed at the Prime Minister as inappropriate and said he agreed with Modi's statement that such "misguided children" should be guided rather than condemned. However, Thackeray added that the Prime Minister should also ask members and supporters of his own party to refrain from using abusive language against political opponents.

The MNS chief alleged that online trolling associated with the BJP had contributed to the deterioration of political discourse. He claimed that BJP supporters had targeted prominent historical figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and members of the Thackeray family. According to him, many actors have become reluctant to express their opinions publicly due to the fear of online abuse and harassment.

Thackeray also referred to the recent NEET paper leak protests, saying the examination controversy served only as the immediate trigger, while the scale of the demonstrations reflected deeper public grievances that had accumulated over the years. He maintained that political disagreements should be expressed through democratic means without resorting to abusive language, calling for greater civility in public discourse while continuing his criticism of the Centre's governance and handling of key issues.

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