Raj Thackeray’s clarion call for 2019: Everyone must unite for ‘Modi-mukt Bharat,’ says MNS chief in Gudi Padwa speech

In a blunt attack on the Narendra Modi government, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray on Sunday said that all parties must unite for a ‘Modi-mukt Bharat’ in 2019.

Addressing a rally on the occasion Gudi Padwa in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, Thackeray said, ‘today, we have to gear up for the third independence. All political parties should unite to make Modi-mukta Bharat reality.’

In an hour-long speech, the MNS chief also warned about nation-wide riots. 

‘In the coming months, there'll be riots in India, mostly planned around the Ram Mandir issue. Some Muslim organisations have already been asked to spark riots once the Ram Mandir issue is resolved,’ he claimed.  

However, he added that the MNS backed the Ram temple in Ayodhya. ‘My objection is to their design and politics,’ he added.

He also questioned the NDA government at Centre for the demonetisation. ‘Demonetisation is the biggest scam since 1947. How does Nirav Modi leave the country when a CBI case is going on? How does he meet the PM in Davos,’ he asked.

Terming the present day situation return of 1975 Emergency era, Thackeray said, ‘there is attempt to silence the voice of media, judiciary which is detrimental for democracy.’

He also raised concerned over industrialist Anil Ambani’s role in the multi-billion Rafale deal. 

The 60-minute speech not only saw the fire-brand leader attacking the BJP government. Thackeray also slammed Bollywood star Akshay Kumar. 

“The movies (Padman and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha) are sponsored by the government. Akshay Kumar is a Canadian citizen. Though he propagates everything about India,” he said.

Thackeray’s scathing anti-BJP remarks came on a day when Congress President Rahul Gandhi also slammed the ruling party in his concluding remarks at the Congress Plenary Session.

Targeting the BJP and RSS, Gandhi recalled the two warring sides of the epic Mahabharat, and said the BJP, like the Kauravas, fought for power, while his party, on the lines of the Pandavas, battled for truth.

He also attacked BJP president Amit Shah, calling him a "murder accused", and said people have accepted him and the "lying" BJP leadership which is "drunk with power".

"If you are poor, your only choice is to become a farmer, labourer. You are destined to live in 'Modi's maya' - an imaginary world of 'acche din' (good days), Swachh Bharat, Rs 15 lakh in your bank account," he said.

"Like the Kauravas, the BJP and RSS fight for power. Like the Pandavas, the Congress fights for truth. Like Kauravs, BJP is designed to fight for power, but like the Pandavs Congress will fight for the truth," he said.

Gandhi said his party spoke on behalf of the country.