Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday strongly criticised Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks on language-related protests. The MNS chief asserted that linguistic and regional identities are a legitimate and enduring reality in India.

While taking it to social media platform X, Raj Thackeray referred to Bhagwat`s statement made at an event in Mumbai on February 8, where the RSS chief reportedly said that being adamant about language and protesting for it is a “disease”. 

८ फेब्रुवारी २०२६ रोजी मुंबईतल्या एका कार्यक्रमात सरसंघचालक श्री. मोहन भागवत यांनी, भाषेबद्दल आग्रही राहणे, त्यासाठी वेळेस आंदोलन करणे हा एक आजार आहे अशा आशयाचं विधान केलं.

या कार्यक्रमाला विविध क्षेत्रातील मान्यवरांना बोलावण्यात आले होते, त्यातले काही हजर देखील होते ! परंतु…

— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) February 10, 2026

Questioning the RSS chief’s remarks, Thackeray said love for one`s language and region cannot be dismissed in such a manner.

While posting on social media platform X, Raj Thackeray wrote, “Various dignitaries from different fields had been invited to this event, and some of them were actually present too! But I want to tell Mohanrao Bhagwat one thing: those people hadn`t come out of love for you, but because of the governmental fear of Narendra Modi! Otherwise, why has no one ever shown up for such rambling sermons until now?”

Thackeray also added, “So first, come out of the misconception that those folks had come for you! Anyway… at the root of it, the history of why linguistic state reorganisation had to happen in this country – we assume Bhagwat must certainly know about that!”

Citing strong linguistic identities across states, Raj also added, “If love for language and love for one`s region feel like a disease, then that disease exists in the majority of states in this country.”

MNS chief Raj Thackeray further alleged that resentment builds when migrants from other states reject local culture and language, adding that such tensions cannot be brushed aside as a “disease”.

Thackeray also questioned why similar lessons on harmony were not delivered in states that have witnessed linguistic or regional unrest in the past, as reported by PTI. 

Raj Thackeray accuses RSS of indiretly holding political positions 

MNS chief Raj Thackeray, while slamming the RSS, also stated that the RSS has been taking indirect political positions despite claiming to be apolitical. 

Referring to earlier remarks by RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi on Mumbai`s linguistic identity, Thackeray alleged that such statements were made to provoke Marathi sentiment and politically benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He said, “We respect the RSS`s work, but that does not mean it should indulge in indirect political stances.” Raj also highlighted that the organisation should first question the government on the alleged imposition of Hindi before preaching about harmony.

BJP leader hits back at Raj Thackeray

राज ठाकरे म्हणतात, सरकारी भीतीमुळे मोहन भागवत यांच्या रटाळ कार्यक्रमाला लोक आले.

राज ठाकरे यांनी या गैरसमजातून बाहेर यायला हवे. ज्या पद्धतीने मनसेच्या खळखट्याकच्या भीतीने लोक येतात, तसंच इतरत्रही होत असावं, असा समज करून घेणं चुकीचं आहे. संघाच्या कार्यक्रमांना लोक शिस्तीने,… pic.twitter.com/KLXW9d4sK1

— Keshav Upadhye (@keshavupadhye) February 10, 2026

Soon after Raj Thackeray’s cryptic post on X, BJP leader Keshav Upadhye hit back at Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief. 

Upadhye added, “Raj Thackeray should come out of this misconception. It`s wrong to assume that just as people come out of fear of MNS`s rowdyism, the same must be happening elsewhere,” hinting that Raj Thackeray`s views on RSS need to be addressed.

Hailing the recently concluded RSS centenary year celebrations in Mumbai, he added, “People attend RSS programmes with discipline and of their own free will. RSS shakhas, marches, and most programmes happen in the early morning or at dawn. That`s why they might not be visible to you, that`s all.”

(With inputs from PTI)

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