Raj Thackeray Urges Party Members to Address Inflation, Unemployment, and Marathi Inequality

Mumbai, Jan 1 (NationPress) The head of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Raj Thackeray, in a message marking the New Year, urged his party members to tackle the pressing matters of unemployment, inflation, and the discrimination faced by Marathis in their own land, especially following the party's setback in the state Assembly elections.

He emphasized the need for establishing a contact room in every party office to monitor and address atrocities against women. Thackeray's message included a strong directive: "If no action is taken, then confront those responsible for such atrocities."

Furthermore, he instructed party members to remain vigilant against the hoarding of essential goods aimed at exacerbating inflation. He encouraged them to report such activities to the appropriate authorities and act as a bridge between farmers and consumers.

"This year is particularly significant as it marks the conclusion of a quarter-century. Over the past 25 years, numerous transformations have occurred in various facets of life, making it feel like a different era. Throughout this time, our party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, has evolved, experiencing numerous highs and lows, all of which have imparted valuable lessons," Thackeray stated.

He continued, "Despite the many changes over these 25 years, a sense of insecurity persists among Marathi speakers in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. While the youth struggle to find employment, job opportunities appear to favor individuals from outside the state. Unemployment transcends caste, yet individuals are often pitted against one another based on their backgrounds. Inflation is devastating the livelihoods of everyone, from farmers to the underprivileged. In times of crisis, people recall the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena but tend to overlook the party during elections," he remarked.

"We must acknowledge this reality and adapt accordingly. After the Assembly election results were announced on November 23, 2024, I engaged in several public events while intentionally refraining from political discussions. I am still contemplating the implications of the results and will address them in detail soon. However, I urge the Mansainiks to move past the election outcome. Following the declaration of results, there has been an escalation in the crackdown against Marathi Manoos, which the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has actively opposed. This has highlighted the fact that Marathi individuals are often seen merely as votes. Concurrently, atrocities against women and tensions between two Marathi-speaking communities have intensified, compounded by inflation that has left many in distress," he added.

"In essence, reopen our shakhas (party offices) to the public. While promoting our initiatives on social media, ensure that we are not being manipulated by it. In this climate, Mansainiks should prioritize collective action over personal grievances. Our focus is not on the elections; rather, it’s our duty to act in these critical matters. As I mentioned previously, I will stand as a Marathi against any attacks on our community, and I will also defend Hindus when necessary. This is our mission," Raj Thackeray concluded in his New Year address.