Home > Topics > Raj Thackeray

Raj Thackeray

Swararaj Shrikant Thackeray commonly known as Raj Thackeray is an Indian politician and the founder and chief of right wing Marathi centric Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (Maharashtra Reformation Army). He is the nephew of Shiv Sena Founder Bal Thackeray and cousin of Uddhav Thackeray, current leader and President of Shiv Sena. According to a recent report published by Google, Raj Thackeray was the most popular politician in Maharashtra during the 2014 general elections in Maharashtra but after a humiliating performance of his party in the 2014 elections, the upcoming 2017 assembly election is a watershed moment for him and his party. Raj Thackeray is known to have a similar style and personality that of his uncle Bal Thackeray and many see him as the leader of the Marathi Manoos (Marathi people)Born on 14th July 1968 to Shrikant Thackeray and Kunda Thackeray, he did his schooling from Bal Mohan Vidya Mandir, Mumbai and then studied painting from J.J. School of Art. His father was the younger brother of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and his mother was younger sister of Bal Thackerays wife Meena Thackeray. As a child, he learnt to play violin, guitar and table. Like his uncle, even he was fond of painting and loved to draw cartoons and caricatures and in his younger days he used to contribute to Bal Thackerays weekly magazine Marmik. He was also fond of photography. Raj Thackeray grew up in a political atmosphere and was always seen beside Bal Thackeray since childhood. This political atmosphere around him drew him towards politics and he then started participating and organizing events for Shiv Sena. Due to a similar style of speaking and many other qualities similar to Bal Thackeray, made many think him as the successor of Bal Thackeray in politics. However, Bal Thackeray chose his son Uddhav Thackeray over Raj to be his successor and the next chief of Shiv Sena. Raj Thackeray then decided to leave the party and to create his own political party and on 9th March 2006, he founded his own party in Mumbai and named it Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and during the formation of the party he said that he does not want any hostilities with his uncle and his uncle Bal Thackeray was, is and always will be his mentor. In 2008, his party MNS became the headline of every newspaper in Maharashtra after his launch of violent agitation against North Indians in Maharashtra and he promised to throw North Indians outside Maharashtra. This was a similar step used by Bal Thackeray when he newly founded Shiv Sena and launched violent agitation against south Indians residing in Maharashtra. By this step, Raj reminded Maharashtrians of the violent past of Shiv Sena. His next successful move was in establishing himself and his party as a force of Maharashtra by agitating against the English signboards and asking all the shops as well as malls to have a Marathi signboard. Many of the MNS workers were also arrested during the agitation but this helped his party to gain headlines and form his base in Maharashtra. His party and Shiv Sena opposed and also banned Australian cricketers in participating in IPL 3 in playing in Mumbai as a protest of the attacks on Indian students in Australia. The next big step of MNS was the forceful reinstatement of the sacked temporary employees of Jet Airways. He threatened the management that the company will have to face non-operation of flights from Mumbai if the employees were not reinstated. MNS contested its first assembly election in 2009 and won 13 seats. On 9th November 2009, Raj Thackeray and his party were in controversy again after attacking Abu Azmi for taking his oath speech in Hindi despite MNS asking all the members to take their speech in Marathi language. He resorted to street violence just before the 2012 Municipal elections in Maharashtra and his activists were successful in making the auto drivers withdraw their strike on the demand of higher fares. This helped the party win 28 seats in Mumbai Municipality and 40 seats in Nashik making MNS the single largest party of Nashik. The party was also able to open its account across Municipalities in Maharashtra. However, in the 2014 general elections his political prospects got severely beaten after all the ten candidates of his party suffered humiliating defeats and losing their respective deposits in the elections. The vote share of his party also fell from 4.7 percent in 2009 to 0.13 percent in 2014 elections. The upcoming 2017 assembly elections is vital for him and his partys survival and only time will say whats in store for him.Raj is married to Sharmila Thackeray, the daughter of a well known theatre personality in Maharashtra. The couple has two kids, their son Amit and daughter Urvashi.

Don't Have to Prove my Hindutva: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray Takes Jibe at Cousin Raj
India.com News Desk | February 10, 2020 7:45 AM IST
New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday took a jibe at his cousin and Mahar...
Don't Have to Prove my Hindutva: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray Takes Jibe at Cousin Raj
indiacom
2020-02-09T20:45:53+00:00
2020-02-09T20:45:53+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
'Pakistani, Bangladeshi Inflitrators Should be Thrown Out,' Says Raj Thackeray at MNS Mega Rally
India.com News Desk | February 9, 2020 5:54 PM IST
New Delhi: In a much-awaited procession of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Sunday, party sup...
'Pakistani, Bangladeshi Inflitrators Should be Thrown Out,' Says Raj Thackeray at MNS Mega Rally
indiacom
2020-02-09T06:54:24+00:00
2020-02-09T06:54:24+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
'Leave India or Else...', MNS Puts Poster Against Bangladeshi Intruders in Mumbai's Panvel
India.com News Desk | February 4, 2020 7:28 AM IST
New Delhi: Days after Raj Thackeray announced support to Centre's contentious Citizenship Amendment ...
'Leave India or Else...', MNS Puts Poster Against Bangladeshi Intruders in Mumbai's Panvel
indiacom
2020-02-03T20:28:21+00:00
2020-02-03T20:32:47+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
'Why India Should Shelter Illegal Infiltrators', Raj Thackeray Announces Support to CAA, NRC
India.com News Desk | January 24, 2020 6:15 AM IST
New Delhi: At a time when the nation is witnessing rising protests over the Centre's contentious Cit...
'Why India Should Shelter Illegal Infiltrators', Raj Thackeray Announces Support to CAA, NRC
indiacom
2020-01-23T19:15:59+00:00
2020-01-23T19:38:38+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
MNS Unveils New Saffron Flag, Fuels Speculation on Ideology
PTI | January 23, 2020 2:36 PM IST
New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday unveiled his party's new...
MNS Unveils New Saffron Flag, Fuels Speculation on Ideology
indiacom
2020-01-23T03:36:46+00:00
2020-01-23T03:36:46+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
Devendra Fadnavis Denies Rumours, Says ‘no Plans For Alliance With MNS in Maharashtra’
India.com News Desk | January 9, 2020 9:41 PM IST
New Delhi: At a time when Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is deciding to change i...
Devendra Fadnavis Denies Rumours, Says ‘no Plans For Alliance With MNS in Maharashtra’
indiacom
2020-01-09T10:41:27+00:00
2020-01-09T10:41:27+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
From Sena to CMO: The Arduous Journey of Uddhav Thackeray in Maharashtra
India.com News Desk | November 28, 2019 7:57 PM IST
New Delhi: Putting an end to the month-long political impasse in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena chief and Ma...
From Sena to CMO: The Arduous Journey of Uddhav Thackeray in Maharashtra
indiacom
2019-11-28T08:57:46+00:00
2019-11-28T08:57:46+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
Blood is Thicker Than Water: Raj Thackeray Accepts Invitation to Uddhav's Oath-taking Ceremony
India.com News Desk | November 28, 2019 2:16 PM IST
New Delhi: It was near this Shivaji Park that in 2006 that Raj Thackeray delivered the deadly blow t...
Blood is Thicker Than Water: Raj Thackeray Accepts Invitation to Uddhav's Oath-taking Ceremony
indiacom
2019-11-28T03:16:54+00:00
2019-11-28T03:18:24+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
'Hope to See Heralding of Ramrajya in True Sense': Raj Thackeray Hails Ayodhya Verdict
India.com News Desk | November 9, 2019 2:45 PM IST
New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday welcomed the Ayodhya ver...
'Hope to See Heralding of Ramrajya in True Sense': Raj Thackeray Hails Ayodhya Verdict
indiacom
2019-11-09T03:45:50+00:00
2019-11-09T03:45:50+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
Maharashtra Assembly Election 2019: Raj Thackeray Highlights Chandrakant Patil's 'Outsider' Status in Kothrud Contest
PTI | October 19, 2019 12:45 AM IST
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Friday asked why Chandrakant Patil, state minister...
Maharashtra Assembly Election 2019: Raj Thackeray Highlights Chandrakant Patil's 'Outsider' Status in Kothrud
indiacom
2019-10-18T13:45:09+00:00
2019-10-18T13:45:09+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
Maharashtra Assembly Election 2019: Raj Thackeray's MNS to Contest Polls, Likely to go Solo
India.com News Desk | September 30, 2019 4:46 PM IST
Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Monday announced that his party will...
Maharashtra Assembly Election 2019: Raj Thackeray's MNS to Contest Polls, Likely to go Solo
indiacom
2019-09-30T05:46:01+00:00
2019-09-30T05:46:01+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
Section 144 Imposed Outside ED Office in South Mumbai as Raj Thackeray Arrives For Probe
India.com News Desk | August 22, 2019 11:45 AM IST
New Delhi: The Mumbai police on Thursday imposed Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure (which pr...
Section 144 Imposed Outside ED Office in South Mumbai as Raj Thackeray Arrives For Probe
indiacom
2019-08-22T00:45:43+00:00
2019-08-22T01:08:54+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
'Nothing Will Come Out in Investigation,' Says Uddhav Thackeray Over ED Notice to Cousin Raj
India.com News Desk | August 21, 2019 4:05 PM IST
New Delhi: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray came out in support of his brother and Maharashtra Navni...
'Nothing Will Come Out in Investigation,' Says Uddhav Thackeray Over ED Notice to Cousin Raj
indiacom
2019-08-21T05:05:34+00:00
2019-08-21T05:05:34+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
'Do Not Step Out of Home on Thursday Unless it is Necessary,' MNS Warns Mumbai Residents After ED Summons Party Chief Raj Thackeray
India.com News Desk | August 20, 2019 6:37 AM IST
New Delhi: A day after Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief ...
'Do Not Step Out of Home on Thursday Unless it is Necessary,' MNS Warns Mumbai Residents After ED Summons Par
indiacom
2019-08-19T19:37:16+00:00
2019-08-19T19:45:44+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Summoned by ED in IL&FS Money Laundering Case
India.com News Desk | August 19, 2019 11:02 AM IST
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj ...
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Summoned by ED in IL&FS Money Laundering Case
indiacom
2019-08-19T00:02:59+00:00
2019-08-19T00:03:17+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
Raj Thackeray Asks Election Commission to Conduct Assembly Polls in Maharashtra With Ballot Papers
India.com News Desk | July 8, 2019 2:50 PM IST
New Delhi: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray today wrote to the Election Comm...
Raj Thackeray Asks Election Commission to Conduct Assembly Polls in Maharashtra With Ballot Papers
indiacom
2019-07-08T03:50:02+00:00
2019-07-08T03:52:49+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
MNS Asked to Submit Details of Expenses Incurred in Poll Rallies in 90 Days
PTI | May 3, 2019 11:28 PM IST
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has been asked to submit details within 90 days of expenses inc...
MNS Asked to Submit Details of Expenses Incurred in Poll Rallies in 90 Days
indiacom
2019-05-03T12:28:15+00:00
2019-05-03T12:28:15+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
MNS chief Raj Thackeray Urges People to Vote Out Modi Government in LS Polls
PTI | April 27, 2019 12:39 AM IST
MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Friday asked people to dislodge the Narendra Modi dispensation in the cur...
MNS chief Raj Thackeray Urges People to Vote Out Modi Government in LS Polls
indiacom
2019-04-26T13:39:54+00:00
2019-04-26T13:39:54+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
NCP Says Govt Should Conduct Raids at Raj Thackeray's Home if it Has Guts
PTI | April 17, 2019 5:44 PM IST
The NCP has dared the government to carry out raids at the home of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has ...
NCP Says Govt Should Conduct Raids at Raj Thackeray's Home if it Has Guts
indiacom
2019-04-17T06:44:38+00:00
2019-04-17T06:44:38+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com
You Keep Abusing Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi But Still Copy Them: MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Takes Jibe at PM Narendra Modi
India.com News Desk | April 13, 2019 6:50 AM IST
Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra ...
You Keep Abusing Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi But Still Copy Them: MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Takes Jibe at P
indiacom
2019-04-12T19:50:45+00:00
2019-04-12T19:50:45+00:00
Raj Thackeray
India.com