Raj Thackeray Says He’d Back Even Donald Trump to Keep Maharashtra Strong, Stresses Marathi First Agenda
Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has said he is willing to support anyone “even former US President Donald Trump” if it helps strengthen Maharashtra and protect Marathi interests. His remarks come days after announcing a political alliance with his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Raj Thackeray clarified that political flexibility should not be mistaken for ideological compromise. He asserted that his sole focus remains the welfare of the Marathi people, Marathi language, and a strong Maharashtra.
“Methods can change, ideology doesn’t,” Raj Thackeray said, drawing an analogy that any route can be taken to ensure water reaches its destination as long as the objective remains “clear and pure.”
First Thackeray Alliance in Nearly Two Decades
Marking their first political tie-up in almost 20 years, Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray announced their alliance in December, ahead of the civic elections scheduled for January 15. Voting will take place for the BMC and 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra, with results to be declared on January 16.
The alliance is seen as a significant political development in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, where both leaders command strong Marathi voter bases.
‘Extremely Marathi’, Says Raj Thackeray
Describing himself as “extremely Marathi,” Raj Thackeray emphasised that the alliance is strictly limited to civic elections and is centred entirely on safeguarding Marathi identity and linguistic pride. He dismissed speculation that the partnership could extend to state or national politics, calling it a “completely different matter.”
He said his commitment to Marathi culture was not driven by electoral considerations but was deeply rooted in values passed down by his uncle, Bal Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena.
“This is not a political stand. This is who I am,” Raj Thackeray said.
Questions Centre Over Marathi Language Support
Raj Thackeray also criticised the Centre’s decision to declare Marathi a classical language, questioning the lack of financial backing despite the status. He claimed that no funds have been allocated for the promotion or preservation of Marathi, while substantial resources continue to be spent on Sanskrit.
“Despite being declared a classical language, Marathi has not received a single rupee in support,” he alleged.
Civic Polls Set for January 15
The BMC elections are being closely watched as a key political test in Maharashtra. The Thackeray cousins’ reunion has reshaped electoral equations, particularly in Mumbai, where Marathi identity remains a powerful political force.
With civic polls just days away, Raj Thackeray’s remarks underline his attempt to position himself as uncompromising on Marathi issues while remaining tactically flexible in political alliances.
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