Addressing a large crowd at Shivtirth during Gudi Padwa celebrations, marking 20 years of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Raj Thackeray criticized the state’s law and order, particularly targeting the Home Department under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He expressed worry about the rise of drugs in schools, leading to addiction among youth and questioned the direction in which Maharashtra is heading.
Thackeray also highlighted the deteriorating conditions in urban areas, attributing the migration of youth from rural to urban centers to lack of progress in rural regions. He connected this trend to the increasing drug availability and the issue of missing children, emphasizing the challenges faced by urban areas.
Providing statistics on missing minors, Thackeray shared alarming numbers, stating that a significant number of children had gone missing within a short period. He pointed out the annual cases of missing children in the state, with a higher proportion of missing girls, especially in Mumbai, according to NCRB data.
To commemorate the MNS’s two decades, Thackeray invoked the legacy of Maharashtra’s iconic figures, paying tribute to historical and social reformers. He praised Sharad Pawar for his contributions to the state’s development, acknowledging his role in the horticulture revolution and modern farming practices. Thackeray also remembered Bal Thackeray, emphasizing his influence on Marathi identity and Hindutva ideology.
