‘Don’t speak to media’: Raj Thackeray’s gag order to MNS leaders amid Marathi language row

Amid the Marathi language row, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has barred his party leaders and cadres from interacting with media or posting personal reactions on social platforms.

 

Even the official spokespersons of the party should take his prior permission to talk to the media, Thackeray said in a post on X on Tuesday night.

 

"A clear order...No one from the party should communicate with newspapers, news channels, or any digital platforms. Also, no one should post personal reaction videos on social media," he said.

 

"Those who have been officially given the responsibility of speaking to the media must also seek my approval before doing so".

 

His directions came days after he shared the stage with his cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray for the first time in almost two decades to address a joint rally in Mumbai.

 

The 'Awaj Marathicha'  rally was organised to celebrate the rollback of two orders issued earlier by the Devendra Fadnavis-led government introducing Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in state schools.

 

On Tuesday, the MNS and other Marathi groups organised a march in Thane to defend the Marathi 'asmita' (pride).

 

The march was organised to counter a protest staged by traders recently against the slapping of a food stall owner by MNS workers on July 1 for not speaking Marathi. 

 

A video of the assault had gone viral on social media, following which traders in Bhayandar staged a protest, seeking action against the attackers. Seven MNS members were later detained. 

India