Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 18: MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Friday lashed out over the scuffle between supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad inside the Maharashtra Assembly, calling it a shameful reflection of the current state of affairs in the state.

Taking to social media platform X, Thackeray questioned, “What has become of our Maharashtra?” while condemning the brawl that erupted in the Assembly lobby on Thursday. He defended his own party workers, whom he referred to as “Maharashtra soldiers”, stating they act not out of personal animosity but in defence of the Marathi language and identity.

“When my Maharashtra soldiers raise their hands to protect the honour of the Marathi language, where are those who usually target us?” he asked, throwing a direct challenge to the political establishment.

He drew a clear distinction between the MNS’s actions and the violent altercation witnessed in the Assembly, stating, “Our fight is not for personal gain but for our language and our Marathi people. But what about these people?”

A video of the scuffle between Padalkar and Awhad’s supporters has since gone viral. Speaker Rahul Narwekar has ordered a probe into the incident, which reportedly stemmed from a minor verbal altercation near the Assembly gate.

Thackeray further criticised the lack of seriousness among lawmakers, remarking, “The Assembly session costs crores. Is this money meant for personal mudslinging? The state treasury is empty, development funds are blocked, and contractors are unpaid. And yet, we are made to witness such disgrace.”

In a pointed message to the media and ruling alliance, Thackeray urged, “Stop covering hypocritical events and take action against your own people if you have even a shred of integrity left.” He warned that if the government fails to act, MNS workers will not remain silent when the Marathi identity is insulted.

“Don’t lecture us when we take a stand against arrogant Marathi-haters,” he added.