Mumbai, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday said the abusive remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent protest at Jantar Mantar were unacceptable, but urged the Prime Minister to also advise leaders and supporters of his own party to maintain restraint in political discourse.
Addressing the 20th anniversary programme of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) in Mumbai, Thackeray said he agreed that no individual should face offensive language, but maintained that the same principle should apply across political parties.
“The language used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the protest at Jantar Mantar was inappropriate. I 100 per cent agree that such low-level language should not be used against anyone. I only want to tell the Prime Minister — please convey this to the people in your party as well,” he said.
His remarks came after Prime Minister Modi shared a video message on Instagram in which he condemned the offensive language used against him and his late mother during the protest, while saying he had chosen to forgive the young people involved.
Thackeray criticised what he described as an aggressive online political culture and alleged that BJP-linked social media supporters had targeted several public figures, including national leaders and artists.
“This culture of trolling started over the last 12 years. What you reaped is what you sowed. PM Modi said he and his mother were abused, which is indeed wrong. But my request to the Prime Minister is — others have mothers too. You must instruct your party leaders to maintain limits,” he said.
The MNS chief also urged his party’s student wing to understand the changing aspirations of Generation Z and adapt to new social realities. He said youth issues today are different from those faced by earlier generations and political organisations need to engage with young people more effectively.
Taking a dig at Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil over his remarks on investigating stone-pelting incidents, Thackeray questioned the statement and criticised what he called a lack of focus on important issues facing students.
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