Pune, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A social media influencer was allegedly forced by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers to prostrate before a photograph of party chief Raj Thackeray and record an apology after he was accused of making offensive remarks about the politician in a social media reel.
According to a report by NDTV, the influencer, identified as Mahesh Mote, was brought to an MNS public relations office in Pune after returning from Kerala. He was allegedly made to prostrate before a photograph of Raj Thackeray with slippers placed on his head and black ink smeared on his face.
A video purportedly showing the incident was recorded as Mote apologised to Raj Thackeray and MNS workers. The footage showed him with tears in his eyes while pleading for forgiveness and performing sit-ups.
“I inadvertently said something wrong about Raj Saheb, and I also mistakenly spoke inappropriately about Shubham Dada and other MNS office-bearers. Today, I deeply regret my mistake. Because of this reel, I have found myself in this predicament. I sincerely apologise to the MNS party and to all of you,” Mote said in the video.
According to reports, MNS Hardaspur Assembly constituency sub-divisional president Shubham Jagdale alleged that Mote had used abusive and offensive language against Raj Thackeray in a video posted around 15 days ago.
Jagdale reportedly said MNS workers learnt that Mote had returned to Pune from Kerala and subsequently brought him to the party’s public relations office, where the apology video was recorded.
Jagdale also described the treatment meted out to Mote as “mahaprasad”, using the term to refer to the rough treatment allegedly given to him.
An MNS leader was heard in the video saying that Mote was brought to the office and made to lie down before a portrait of Raj Thackeray before being asked to apologise.
The leader further said the MNS had responded in its “own language” and warned that anyone making similar remarks against Raj Thackeray would face a similar response.
The reported incident has drawn attention after the video of Mote’s apology and the alleged treatment surfaced.
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