Mumbai: The political corridors of Maharashtra witnessed a disgraceful spectacle yesterday when ruling party MLAs and opposition workers clashed violently in the Vidhan Bhavan premises. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray tore into both sides with sharp, no-holds-barred criticism.
“After watching that video, I seriously wonder – what has become of Maharashtra?” Thackeray asked.
“Power is supposed to be a means, not an end. But today, anyone and everyone is brought into the party fold, used for hurling filth at senior opposition leaders, and then the same people preach about political propriety. This hypocrisy should be clear to the people of Maharashtra now.”
Thackeray pointedly asked, “Whose hands have you handed over Maharashtra to?”
Recalling his own party’s stand, he said, “When my Maharashtra sainiks raise their hands, it is for Marathi pride, not personal grudges. Our late MLA once did the same in the House when someone insulted Marathi. But what is happening now is gutter politics.”
Thackeray also attacked the government for wasting public money: “A single day of Assembly costs at least ₹1.5 to ₹2 crore. Are these taxpayers’ funds meant for your cheap mudslinging matches? Maharashtra is broke, contractors are unpaid, districts lack development funds, and ministers themselves are asking if the Assembly is just a meaningless formality now!”
His warning was blunt:
“If this continues, don’t be surprised if tomorrow MLAs get murdered inside the Assembly.”
Addressing the media, he said, “I request the few sensible voices left in the media – don’t get trapped in this shallow circus.”
And to the government, his challenge was clear:
“If you have any integrity left, take action against your people. If not, say so openly – but don’t lecture us when my sainiks take matters into their own hands.”
