Mns

Will ask Centre to change IIT Bombay name to IIT Mumbai: Maha CM Fadnavis

The Maharashtra CM said he would write to the Centre to rename IIT Bombay as IIT Mumbai, after Union minister Jitendra Singh's comment on the institute's name sparked a fresh attack from Raj Thackeray

Maharashtra Congress divided over tie-up with MNS for civic polls: BJP

The Congress in Maharashtra appeared divided on allying with the MNS in the upcoming local body polls, with senior leader of the grand old party Vijay Wadettiwar favouring a united contest, while MP Varsha Gaikwad said it was firm on not aligning with the Raj Thackeray-led party in Mumbai. Wadettiwar, however, suggested that the Congress wouldn't compromise on its ideology for forging alliances. He referred to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's statement underlining the importance of Opposition unity for defeating the BJP. "Ultimately, ideology matters. We are positive towards a united fight, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Everyone must come together to defeat the BJP," the Congress Legislature Party leader told reporters on Saturday. He referred to the MNS's participation in the 'Satyacha Morcha' organised by the opposition MVA in Mumbai earlier this month against the alleged discrepancies in the voters' list. Wadettiwar's open support for MNS flies in the face of the Mum

Congress rules out alliance with MNS for BMC polls, cites party's violence

The Congress on Friday reiterated its political aversion to MNS for the upcoming civic body polls, saying the party will never tie up with those who break the law or intimidate, a reference to the sons-of-the-soil brand of politics of the Raj Thackeray-led party. Hitting back, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Sandeep Deshpande said the Raj Thackeray-led party is an independent entity and not a member of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP). "Raj Thackeray makes decisions in our party. We have nothing to do with what anyone says," he said. The Congress recently announced that it would contest the elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) independently, apparently due to the growing proximity between Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, and his cousin Raj Thackeray's MNS. The solo contest plan had prompted Sena (UBT) to ask Congress not to rush into any decision and emphasise the importance of the Opposition unity. "The

Plea against MNS, Raj Thackeray: SC asks petitioner to move Bombay HC

The Supreme Court on Monday asked a petitioner to move the Bombay High Court with his plea accusing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray of hate speech and inciting violence against the north Indian community. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran asked Sunil Shukla, national president of the Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Sena, the reason of not moving the high court with his grievances. Is the Bombay High Court on vacation? the CJI asked, prompting Shukla's lawyer to withdraw the plea. The bench, without expressing any opinion on the merits, allowed the petitioner to withdraw the plea and move the high court. Shukla's plea alleged the Maharashtra government and the police didn't respond to his repeated requests to register criminal cases against MNS cadres who have resorted to violence, threats to life and harassment against him, in the past. His advocacy for the rights of north Indians had made him a target for threats, harassment, an

Cong, AAP, Patidar leaders slam Raj Thackeray for remarks on Sardar Patel

The Congress, AAP and Patidar leaders in Gujarat have criticised Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over his comments about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. They have also demanded a ban on Thackeray's entry to Gujarat and an FIR against him. Addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Thane district on Friday, the MNS chief said when migrants from Bihar were "beaten up and driven away" in Gujarat, it did not become an issue, but a minor incident in Maharashtra became a national issue. He also referred to Morarji Desai and Sardar Patel's alleged anti-Marathi stand after independence. Over the past few weeks, MNS workers have been aggressively demanding that those living in Maharashtra learn Marathi. They have also assaulted a few shopkeepers for failing to respond in Marathi. Gujarat Congress' newly appointed president Amit Chavda on Sunday said making a statement against Sardar Saheb was akin to throwing dust in front of the sun. If you

MNS chief Raj Thackeray denies making remarks on alliance with Sena (UBT)

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday denied making any remarks on forging an alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, and claimed that the words that he did not utter were wrongly attributed to him in a section of media. In a post on X, Thackeray said if he wants to make any political statement, he will do so by holding a press conference. He said the party organised a conclave for selected office-bearers at Igatpuri in Nashik on July 14 and 15, where he held an informal interaction with journalists. "When there was an informal chat with journalists, I was asked about the July 5 victory celebration rally in Mumbai. I said the event was to celebrate the victory of Marathi manoos and that it was not political. Then they (the journalists) asked what about the alliance (with the Shiv Sena-UBT). To this I responded, saying - Should I discuss the alliance matters with you now?" Thackeray said. "Words, which I did not utter, were .

MNS workers held ahead of rally; Fadnavis says route not followed

While being detained, several MNS workers questioned the authorities' decision to allow protests by traders over the 'slapgate' incident while banning their counter-protest

Investor apologises after MNS attack over remarks targeting Raj Thackeray

Five Maharashtra Navnirman Sena supporters were detained on Saturday for the attack on investor Sushil Kedia's office in Worli here over the latter's social media post about not learning Marathi and his "kya karna hai bol" dare to Raj Thackeray. Hours after the attack, Kedia apologised for the social post claiming he had overreacted and also professed admiration for Thackeray. Kedia said he had uploaded the post in a wrong state of mind under duress and stress and wished to correct it unequivocally after realising his mistake. "Having come under pressure mentally from the violence inflicted on those who do not know Marathi, I ended up over-reacting," Kedia said. "I realise I must take back my over-reactions and withdraw," he asserted. In his apology video, Kedia said, "Even after living for 30 years in Mumbai, the level of proficiency and fluency that a native Marathi born can have, we will not be able to achieve and for avoiding any embarrassments or confusions, one has been ...

'Have come together to stay together': Uddhav, Raj unite after 20 yrs

After nearly two decades, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared stage in Mumbai to celebrate Maharashtra government's rollback of Hindi in primary schools

7 MNS workers detained for assaulting food vendor over not speaking Marathi

Seven members of the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) were detained for allegedly assaulting a foodstall owner for not speaking Marathi, an official said on Friday. The accused persons were allowed to go after the police served notices on them, he said. The incident took place on Tuesday in the Bhayander area of Thane district. A video of the assault, which went viral on social media, showed some of the attackers wearing scarves sporting the MNS symbol. While purchasing food, one of them asked the stall owner to speak in Marathi, to which he questioned them back. While the man shouted at the shopkeeper, some others with him slapped the stall owner, a police official had said earlier. The Kashimira police had subsequently registered a case against seven MNS members under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rioting, threatening and assault. The accused persons were brought to the police station. They were allowed to go after the police handed them notices, said ...

No ego, ready to take step ahead or back: Raut on Sena (UBT), MNS tie-up

The Shiv Sena (UBT) is ready to take a step forward or even backward and there is no political ego in it, party MP Sanjay Raut said on Tuesday amid the chatter of rapprochement between his outfit and the MNS. The Sena (UBT), led by former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, will do whatever possible for the benefit of Maharashtra, "Marathi manoos" (Marathi-speaking people) and to re-ensure their claim on Mumbai, Raut told reporters. "We are ready to take a step ahead or back. There is no political ego in it," the Rajya Sabha member said. Estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation with their recent statements indicating they could ignore "trivial issues" and join hands nearly two decades after a bitter parting of ways. While Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) head Raj Thackeray has said uniting in the interest of "Marathi manoos" is not difficult, Uddhav has insisted he is ready to put aside trivial fights, provided those

Aaditya should meet Raj if Sena (UBT) serious about alliance: MNS leader

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Prakash Mahajan has said if the Shiv Sena (UBT) is really serious about an alliance between the two parties, then its leader Aaditya Thackeray should take the lead and meet Raj Thackeray. A leader of "appropriate" stature in the Shiv Sena (UBT), headed by former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, should go to MNS president Raj Thackeray for discussions on a possible tie-up, Mahajan asserted on Wednesday. If a junior leader is sent for talks, then Raj Thackeray will also send a junior functionary, he maintained. "If an alliance really has to happen, then Aaditya Thackeray should take the lead and understand the views of Raj saheb. Both sides will understand the seriousness if Aaditya Thackeray goes (for talks). There is a common feeling among Marathi people to come together," he said. Former state minister Aaditya Thackeray is the son of Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray. On Tuesday, Aaditya Thackeray said if anyone wants to come toget

Aaditya Thackeray urges seniors to lead tie-up talks between Sena(UBT), MNS

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday said his party responded to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's call for rapprochement and that seniors from that party should step up to take it forward. Talking to reporters, Thackeray said his party welcomes whoever is opposed to the anti-Maharashtra BJP. When they talked about it, we responded. Their seniors should come forward. We are there where we were (in the past). For the betterment of the country, Maharashtra and society, we welcome those with an open heart who are against the anti-Maharashtra BJP and (Eknath) Shinde, Thackeray said. Last month, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation with statements indicating they could ignore trivial issues and join hands, nearly two decades after a bitter parting of ways. Uddhav, however, had put a condition that Raj should have no truck with the BJP or the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. While the MNS chief has said that uniting in the interest

Pawar, Thackeray brands can't be wiped out from Maharashtra politics: Raj

Raj Thackeray has said that efforts to erase Pawar and Thackeray names from Maharashtra politics will fail. He also hinted at unity with Uddhav, stressing Marathi pride over political differences

MNS: Seek concrete proposal from Sena (UBT) on alliance after past betrayal

A senior MNS leader has said his chief Raj Thackeray would consider an alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) only if a concrete proposal is put forward, noting their previous overtures for a tie-up were met with betrayal. Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Sandeep Deshpande of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) referred to Raj Thackeray's recent interview where he signalled openness to have talks with the Sena (UBT), headed by his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray, for a political alliance. Local body elections in Maharashtra, including for civic corporations of Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Nagpur and Pune, are slated to be held later this year. If the Shiv Sena (UBT) feels an alliance with the MNS is possible, they should come forward with a substantial proposal. Raj Thackeray will take a decision on it, he maintained. Deshpande recalled past instances when the MNS had initiated tie-up talks, but faced what he called betrayal. Be it in 2014 or 2017, we sent proposals but they betrayed

Raj Thackeray asks MNS cadre to pause agitation demanding Marathi in banks

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray on Saturday asked his party workers to stop the agitation to enforce use of Marathi in banks and other establishments for the time being as "we have created enough awareness on the issue". In a letter to party workers, Thackeray said the agitation has shown the consequences of not following Reserve Bank of India norms on use of local language. "There is no issue in halting this agitation now because we have created enough awareness on the issue, Thackeray said. Halt the agitation for the time being but do not let focus go away from it. I urge the government to see that the law is followed. Wherever the law is not followed, wherever Marathi manoos are taken for granted or face insult, the MNS will go for discussion with them," Thackeray warned. His instructions to party workers come a day after the United Forum of Bank Unions wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating that people claiming to be MNS activists have

Raj Thackeray warns against 'communal provocation' over Aurangzeb tomb row

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray said people are being made to fight in the name of history, and politicians exploit these issues. 'Stop reading history on WhatsApp,' he urged

Raj Thackeray has lost relevance, Mahayuti does not need him: Athawale

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has lost relevance and is not needed by the ruling Mahayuti, Union minister Ramdas Athawale said on Sunday. The MNS failed to win a single seat in the November 20 Maharashtra assembly polls, which were swept by the Mahayuti, the losers including the party chief's son Amit Thackeray from Mumbai's Mahim constituency. "Raj Thackeray thought power could not come without him. His dreams have been shattered. With me in the alliance, there is no place for Raj Thackeray. He changes his strategies and the colour of his party flag. It reflects his diminishing relevance," said Athawale, whose Republican Party of India (A) has been with the BJP-led NDA for over a decade. Speaking to reporters in Nashik, the Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment also expressed confidence that his party will get representation in the Devendra Fadnavis government. Slamming the Maha Vikas Aghadi for blaming EVM "misuse" for the crushing defeat in

On Fawad Khan's movie, MNS leader's open dare: 'Theatre owners know…'

Amid the news that Pakistani movie 'The Legend of Maula Jatt' starring Fawad Khan will release in India, MNS Cinema Wing President Ameya Khopkar has threatened theatre owners against screening it

MVA got anti-BJP votes in LS polls, no rise in support base: MNS chief

Addressing a press conference, Thackeray further claimed the outfits led by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar will not get these anti-incumbency votes in the assembly polls