Raj Thackeray - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Raj Thackeray is an Indian politician and the founder of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party in the state of Maharashtra, India.
- 2. He was born on June 14, 1968, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, to political parents – his father, Shrikant Thackeray, was a prominent figure in the Shiv Sena party.
- 3. Thackeray started his political career by actively participating in the Shiv Sena, a right-wing regional political party in Maharashtra, which was founded by his uncle, Bal Thackeray.
- 4. In 2006, Raj Thackeray broke away from the Shiv Sena and formed his own political party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), with the intention of promoting the interests of the Marathi-speaking population of Maharashtra.
- 5. Thackeray is known for his strong stance on issues such as job opportunities for locals, language and cultural identity, and the rights of the Marathi-speaking people in Maharashtra.
- 6. He has been involved in several controversial incidents, including agitations against migrants from North India and his criticism of the Bollywood industry for favoring non-Marathi actors.
- 7. Thackeray is known for his fiery speeches and charismatic leadership style, which has garnered him a significant following among the youth in Maharashtra.
- 8. Despite his controversial image, Thackeray has also been praised for his efforts in promoting Marathi culture and language through various initiatives and campaigns.
- 9. Thackeray has faced criticism for his divisive politics and the violent methods employed by his party members during protests and agitations.
- 10. Over the years, Raj Thackeray has emerged as a prominent political figure in Maharashtra and continues to be a key player in state politics, especially during elections.