Raj Thackeray on Monday marked the 20th foundation anniversary of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, reflecting on the party’s two-decade political journey and reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the identity, language and rights of Marathi-speaking people in Maharashtra.
In a message shared on X, the MNS chief said the party was founded with a clear vision of working for the development of Maharashtra while promoting the Marathi language and protecting the interests of the state’s native population.
Calling the completion of two decades an important milestone, Raj Thackeray said the ideas behind the formation of the party have only grown stronger over time. He noted that when the party was established, issues related to Marathi identity and language were often ignored in public discourse, but MNS played a key role in bringing these concerns back into the political spotlight.
Looking back at the party’s journey, Thackeray said MNS has organised numerous protests, rallies and movements over the years while actively participating in electoral politics. He acknowledged that the party has experienced both victories and setbacks during this period but stressed that its core mission has remained unchanged.
According to him, the party has become closely linked with the cause of Marathi identity in the minds of the people. Thackeray said that whenever incidents involving injustice against Marathi-speaking citizens take place, many people—even those associated with other political parties—often ask where the MNS is, showing the expectations that the public has from the organisation.
He also spoke about the social and demographic changes that have taken place in Maharashtra over the past 20 years. Thackeray pointed out that a new generation of voters has emerged in the state, with many individuals who were children when MNS was formed now becoming active participants in public and political life.
These young citizens, he said, are eager to shape the future of Maharashtra and play a role in its development. Thackeray encouraged them to prepare themselves for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution while continuing to preserve the cultural and linguistic identity of the state.
The MNS chief also announced the launch of a statewide membership registration campaign beginning March 10. Through this initiative, the party aims to bring more young people into its fold and expand its organisational base across Maharashtra.
Inviting youth from across the state to join the movement, Raj Thackeray said their participation would be crucial in building a stronger, progressive and culturally rooted Maharashtra in the years ahead.
