500+ MNS Workers Silenced: Raj Thackeray’s Stern Gag Order Amid Explosive Marathi Language Row
He further said that the designated spokespersons of the MNS should also not hold any interactions with the media without his permission
Amid the ongoing Hindi vs Marathi row in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has issued a gag order to his party workers, asking them not to interact with any news outlets and to refrain from posting any reaction videos on social media.
In a post on X on Tuesday night, Thackeray said, “A clear directive… No one from the party should interact with newspapers, news channels, or any digital media. Likewise, absolutely do not post videos of your reactions on social media.”
He further said that the designated spokespersons of the MNS should also not hold any interactions with the media without his permission.
“And those spokespersons officially assigned the responsibility of interacting with the media should also not engage with any form of media without consulting me or obtaining my permission, nor should they express themselves on social media,” he added.
Thackeray’s directives come as the language row in Maharashtra continued to escalate, with several members of the MNS being detained during a protest march they took out in Thane.
According to the state government, Raj Thackeray’s party had earlier been granted permission for the protest. However, it was later denied as the party was adamant on a specific route for the march.
After prohibitory orders were issued regarding the gathering of people, MNS members alleged that the state’s Mahayuti government was not allowing the “Marathi people’s march”.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had also affirmed that no one was denied permission for a march, “but the marchers were insistent on a particular route”.
He said that permission could not have been granted for that route as it would have resulted in “law and order issues”.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena wished to hold a counter-protest in opposition to the march held by traders over MNS men thrashing a shop owner for refusing to speak Marathi last week.
The threats of ‘speak Marathi or else’ have increased over the recent weeks as MNS claims that the BJP government wants to impose Hindi in the state.
In a decisive move that stunned Maharashtra’s political landscape, Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), issued a sweeping media and social media blackout to over 500 party workers and leaders on July 8–9, 2025. Amid a fiercely charged campaign enforcing the exclusive use of Marathi, this gag order aims to control the narrative—and contain mounting backlash.
On July 8, Raj Thackeray took to X (formerly Twitter) and public memorandums to issue strict instructions:
- “No one from the party must interact with newspapers, news channels, or any digital media.”
- “Absolutely do not post videos or reactions on social media.”
- Even designated spokespersons are barred from giving any statements without his explicit permission
The directive marks an unusual retreat from the aggressive communication ethos historically associated with the MNS, signaling a tactical shift during a politically volatile period.
This gag order didn’t emerge in isolation—it reflects escalating tensions over Raj Thackeray’s “Mi Marathi” campaign, which reignited in late March during the annual Gudi Padwa rally. Key flashpoints include:
- MNS cadres slapping a bank officer in Bhayandar for not speaking Marathi
Vandalism of entrepreneur Sushil Kedia’s office in Mumbai for allegedly refusing to learn the language
Organized protests demanding Marathi-only usage in banks, stores, and public signage
These aggressive actions garnered national headlines, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to warn against taking the law into one’s own hands—and setting the stage for tighter message control
The MNS’s revival strategy mirrors its 2008 campaigns—characterized by direct action over perceived threats to Marathi identity. Then, Raj Thackeray famously blackened non-Marathi signboards, assaulted migrant workers, and was temporarily gagged by courts
Workers posted videos or live-streams of confrontations, fueling public outrage
Opposition mounted both politically and socially—activists, traders, and unions lodged complaints and appealed to courts
Within days, the MNS chief reversed course: the party must halt aggressive operations and streamline communications
- Damage control: Viral clips of slapping incidents increased backlash, prompting legal complaints and political criticism.
- Centralized narrative: Thackeray’s command ensures consistency and limits rogue statements that might escalate tensions.
- Image management: Reinforces the MNS as disciplined and strategic—not impulsive or violent.
In essence, the statement serves as a pressure valve, allowing PR monitoring while preserving control during a fast-moving cultural campaign.
Shiv Sena (UBT) and CM Fadnavis affirmed policing was directed at preventing law-and-order issues—though now party due process can proceed
Banking unions and traders expressed relief at the reduced aggression, yet insisted stricter legal action is taken against violators .
Civil rights groups raised concerns over extrajudicial actions and free speech, calling for judicial oversight on political aggression .
MNS workers and spokespeople now silent—news flow is severely restricted unless cleared by Thackeray
Opposition parties and independent journalists are actively scrutinizing MNS moves and pushing for legal accountability.
Common citizens, especially from non-Marathi backgrounds, feel a mix of relief and anxiety—relief from intimidation, anxiety over aggressive identity politics.
MNS maintains tight control until flare-ups subside. Press releases will likely originate only from Raj Thackeray or approved spokespeople.
If incidents escalate or legal notices are served, courts may impose Gag Orders similar to 2008’s that halted inflammatory rhetoric
MNS’s new coordination with Shiv Sena (UBT) and Uddhav Thackeray—formally revived in June—may shape future strategy, potentially mellowing its media posture
Raj could shift to lobbying for state-mandated Marathi signage, language quotas, or educational reforms via formal channels—not mob actions.
“This is not suppression—it’s calculation. Raj wants full control of message, lest the campaign spiral into legal chaos. It’s the MNS trying to be agile and disciplined under pressure.
“The gag is symbolic of ideological pivot—agitation gave momentum, but now comes management. The next step is policy lobbying, with a more tempered media strategy.”
- Mobilizing identity politics to regain relevance amid dominance by the BJP-Shiv Sena bloc.
- Avoiding self-sabotage by ensuring campaigns don’t backfire legally or socially.
- Preserving alliances and political capital, particularly with Uddhav Thackeray’s faction, for seat-sharing and influence leverage.
