Raj Thackeray to back those targeting for writing against Modi govt

Shiv Kumar
Tribune News Service
Mumbai, September 27

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has announced that his party would extend support to those who have been targeted by the official machinery for writing against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

Thackeray, who launched his Facebook page last week, in his posts put out in Marathi and English put out an email address asking people to connect with him and post instances of harassment by the police.

"… When the citizens express their dissent and disappointment via various social media platforms, their right to freedom of thought and expression will be muffled? By sending them notices via police? Is questioning the failed policies of the Prime Minister supposed to lead to a law and order situation? Then what about the damage done by
rolls?" Thackeray wondered in his post.

The MNS chief hit out at the BJP, for what he said, was “a completely misleading media campaign … tricking the common man with deceit and misinformation”. He went on to say that those criticising the government were humiliated and trolled.

Thackeray also called demonetisation a blunder.

"Innumerable people lost their jobs. Inflation reached its peak. All this happened and no one could question the government? The Prime Minister has gone to proclaim that he is the ‘servant’ of the public and public his king. If this is the case, then doesn't the king have the right to question on non-performance," Thackeray asked.

Hitting out at the trolls who target those criticizing the government on social media, Thackeray said the Prime Minister himself encouraged them by clicking selfies with them. “By showing such support to trolls that are responsible in silencing these little voices of dissent, aren't we heading to a state of anarchy?” Thackeray asked in
his post.

The MNS leader ended his post saying he was and would remain a supporter of
the police force.

“However, I sincerely request you (the police), don’t harass common people on the instructions of government. Governments keep changing!" Thackeray said.