Raj Thackeray Demands Nagpur Police Chief Resign After Praising RSS
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and opposition leaders strongly criticized the newly appointed Nagpur Police Commissioner, IPS officer Vishwas Nangre Patil, for publicly praising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at an event in Nagpur.
Thackeray demanded that the officer resign from his service if he wishes to publicly support the organization, sparking a political controversy over the political neutrality of active-duty police officers.
Thackeray questioned the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on social media, asking if the state government approved of the "dual loyalty" of an active IPS officer. He stated that if an officer feels affection for the Sangh, they should keep it in their heart or resign to join the RSS or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"After all, a rehabilitation guarantee scheme for disgruntled officers has been running for many years now. Yours will happen too," Thackeray wrote in his post.
The MNS chief warned the Chief Minister of potential future repercussions, suggesting that if the current government loses power, other officers might attend events of different organizations. He recalled a 2012 incident where the state government placed a police constable on forced leave for supporting an MNS agitation following the Azad Maidan riots in Mumbai.
Nangre Patil, a celebrated officer recognized for his role during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was recently appointed as the Police Commissioner of Nagpur. He drew criticism after attending an RSS event where he praised the organization for its discipline, dedication, and patriotism.
Thackeray questioned whether Nangre Patil had forgotten that a police officer is expected to remain impartial and loyal only to their uniform. While calling Nangre Patil a good and efficient officer, Thackeray urged him not to pawn his sense of propriety before political parties and organizations.
Opposition parties also joined the criticism. Congress leader Praful Gudadhe expressed concern over the police chief's remarks, stating he feared that Nangre Patil might arrest opposition leaders like him under the label of "urban naxals."
