Signalling a renewed push for unity and revival, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Monday delivered a strong message to his party workers, urging them to bury internal differences and focus on the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Addressing party office-bearers at a closed-door meeting at Rangsharda Auditorium in Mumbai, Raj underscored the need for organisational discipline and electoral readiness.
“If us two brothers can come together on the same platform after 20 years, why should you hold grudges against one another?” Raj is said to have asked, referring to his recent reunion with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. His comment was aimed at resolving long-standing factionalism within the party and inspiring cadres to move forward collectively.
Briefing the media after the meeting, senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said, “Raj saheb was very clear. He told us not to entertain any kind of internal conflicts and to start preparing for the elections unitedly. He stressed that those who had previously worked with the party — former office-bearers, ex-candidates, even inactive workers — must be brought back into the fold.”
Nandgaonkar added, “He told us, ‘Don’t say you don’t like someone or you can’t work with someone. Every party worker is one of us. If an old comrade is willing to return, take them in with confidence. Make them feel like they are a part of the journey again.’”
When asked if there was any discussion on a potential alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT), Nandgaonkar firmly stated that no such talks took place. “There was no discussion at all about any alliance. Raj Thackeray has told us that the decision on any political alliance will be taken by him alone, at the right time. In today’s meeting, it was not even mentioned. What he did emphasise was mutual respect. He said our conduct within the party is just as important as our external strategy.”
The meeting also focused on grassroots preparedness. Raj Thackeray instructed party workers to immediately begin working at the ward level, paying special attention to cleaning up and verifying voter lists. “He said, ‘Check the voter rolls thoroughly. Ensure that all our supporters are properly listed. This is crucial for our electoral readiness,’” Nandgaonkar said.
On the issue of Marathi identity — a consistent theme in MNS politics — Raj reiterated that the language should be promoted positively, without breeding division. “He told us, ‘Take Marathi to every household, but don’t hate Hindi speakers. If someone is willing to learn, teach them. If someone is disrespectful or arrogant, take a firm stand, but don’t provoke unnecessary conflicts. And do not record such incidents on video,’” Nandgaonkar quoted him as saying.
Addressing the cadre’s electoral confidence, Raj stated that the party was best positioned to take control of the BMC. “He said, ‘This is not just a motivational speech. We are genuinely the strongest party in Mumbai right now. The power in the BMC will be ours,’” Nandgaonkar said, adding that the MNS chief instructed leaders to stay grounded and focus on ward-level civic issues to win voter trust.
Raj also cautioned against internal politicking and called for absolute focus on election work. “He said, ‘Don’t fall into groupism. Accept new appointments, work together, and don’t waste time on personal grudges. From this point forward, every minute should be spent preparing for the elections.’”
Meanwhile, MNS workers on Saturday allegedly vandalised a dance bar in Navi Mumbai’s Panvel area, claiming that it violated rules and hosted obscene performances by women. The Panvel police booked eight MNS workers on rioting charges following the attack which came after Raj Thackeray said that non-Marathi people have the most dance bars in Raigad district.
