Raj Thackeray: 'Will Hold Press Conference If I Wish To Make Political Statement'

After MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena Thackeray faction leader Uddhav Thackeray were seen together at the victory rally, discussions about an alliance between MNS and Shiv Sena Thackeray faction have started to emerge. Many reactions are coming from political circles on this. Meanwhile, on the 14th and 15th of July, a camp was organized by MNS in Igatpuri. During this MNS camp, some media also reported after an informal conversation with journalists. Against this backdrop, MNS President Raj Thackeray has now tweeted his reaction. Raj Thackeray said, 'On 14th and 15th July 2025, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena organized a camp in Igatpuri for selected officials. During that camp, I had an informal conversation with journalists. During that time, I was asked about the victory rally on 5th July. I replied that the rally was not political but a rally celebrating the victory of the Marathi people. Then I was asked, what about the alliance? To which I replied, should I discuss the alliance with you now?'

'After that, yesterday some English and Marathi newspapers and selected media put words in my mouth that I did not speak, saying that the decision on the alliance will be taken after seeing the situation before the municipal elections. What kind of new journalism has been born? Informal chats are meant to be kept informal, and if anything is published, it should not include words that were not spoken. Has this awareness also disappeared now? A few journalists have set a new trend of doing journalism under someone's influence or on someone's instructions, don't assume we are unaware of this. Do we have to keep talking constantly just because you need news every day or someone needs news? And if nothing is found today, create news, what kind of journalism is this? It is surprising that even a newspaper like the Times of India would publish such news without verification. The kind of chaos happening on social media should not come into journalism, that is the expectation!'

'Fortunately, there are still many honest editors and journalists who will understand what I am saying! My direct connection with journalism has been since 1984, and weekly magazines, newspapers, and periodicals have originated in our home. My journey as a cartoonist has been from Marmik, Lokprabha, Awaaz, Loksatta to Saamana, and I have experienced journalism very closely. Therefore, I have a complete understanding of what good and quality journalism is and how it should be! Hence, I request a few journalists and their editors not to engage in such practices. If I want to make any political statement, I will hold an official press conference.' said Raj Thackeray.