Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Raj Thackeray Warns of Religious Conflict During Ganesh Festival
Raj Thackeray asked Hindu and Muslim people to be careful about efforts to create religious fights.
He said social media was making people angrier and encouraging arguments about caste and religion.
He feared riots could happen during the Ganesh festival.
He also criticized very loud festival sound systems, called DJs, and laser lights.
He said these could hurt people’s health and eyesight.
Thackeray questioned why people were told to avoid foreign trips and gold purchases if economic growth was 7.8 percent.
He also said the prime minister’s picture should not be placed beside pictures of respected historical leaders.
He claimed non-Marathi speakers were being used to create language disputes.
He later approved the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” and encouraged party workers to use it.
Raj Thackeray urged Hindu and Muslim citizens to stay alert against attempts to provoke religious conflict and riots during the Ganesh festival.
He blamed social media for increasing anger and keeping people focused on caste and religious disputes.
Thackeray criticized high-decibel DJs and laser lights, and accused bans in Nagpur and Pune of being selectively enforced.
He questioned economic messaging despite citing 7.8% first-quarter GDP growth and claimed 503 companies closed operations between 2021 and 2026.
He objected to placing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph alongside historical figures and endorsed the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad.”
- Who
- Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray addressed party office-bearers and appealed to Hindu and Muslim citizens.
- What
- He warned about alleged efforts to provoke religious, caste and language conflicts, criticized DJs and laser lights, and questioned economic and political messaging.
- When
- He made the remarks on Sunday, September 6, ahead of the upcoming Ganesh festival.
- Where
- He spoke at a Maharashtra Navnirman Sena gathering in Thane, Maharashtra.
- Why
- He said social and religious disputes were being used to create anger and distract the public from socio-economic challenges.
Thackeray’s claims and criticisms
Responses not provided in reports
Religious and social tensions
Thackeray’s claims and criticisms
Thackeray alleged that social media and efforts to manipulate communities were increasing anger and could lead to riots during the Ganesh festival.
Responses not provided in reports
The reports do not include responses from the central government, other political parties, social-media platforms, or the communities mentioned.
Economic conditions
Thackeray’s claims and criticisms
Thackeray questioned advice against foreign travel and gold purchases despite citing 7.8% GDP growth, and claimed that 503 companies had closed operations.
Responses not provided in reports
The reports present these as Thackeray’s statements and do not provide an official response or independent verification.
Public-office images and festival rules
Thackeray’s claims and criticisms
Thackeray said the prime minister’s photograph should not be placed alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr B R Ambedkar and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, and criticized selectively enforced DJ restrictions.
Responses not provided in reports
The reports do not state the government’s position on the photograph placement or the enforcement of DJ restrictions.
- Speaker
- Raj Thackeray, chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena
- Location
- Thane, Maharashtra
- Festival concern
- Thackeray said he feared riots could be created during the upcoming Ganesh festival.
- Sound-system criticism
- He said high-powered DJs and laser lights pose severe health and vision risks.
- GDP figure cited
- 7.8% first-quarter GDP growth
- Company-closure claim
- Thackeray cited what he described as a government report claiming that 503 companies shut operations in India between 2021 and 2026.
- Related criminal case
- A case was registered against Amit Thackeray and others over the alleged removal of a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Government Polytechnic Pune.
