Raj Thackeray questions Devendra Fadnavis over Mumbai BJP MLA Ameet Satam video
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray launched a sharp public attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing its central leadership of arrogance and questioning Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his silence regarding insensitive remarks by party leaders in Mumbai. Thackeray specifically targeted Mumbai BJP president and MLA Ameet Satam for allegedly laughing in a viral video about two recent monsoon-related deaths in the city.
In a post on the social media platform X addressed directly to Fadnavis, Thackeray claimed that the BJP's central leadership had become "arrogant with power" and warned that this culture was now taking root in Maharashtra. He questioned the Chief Minister on whether he would allow this trend to spread further across the state, noting that people across the country have voiced anger over the central leadership's behavior.
Thackeray's criticism focused on a purported viral video involving Satam. Without explicitly naming him, Thackeray referenced the controversy where the Mumbai BJP president was allegedly seen smiling while discussing the monsoon-related deaths. Thackeray criticized Fadnavis for failing to take action, stating that the Chief Minister's silence had emboldened leaders to make absurd statements without fear of consequences.
Invoking the quote, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely," the MNS chief expressed concern that Fadnavis, who was once regarded as a sensitive and cultured Chief Minister, risked damaging both his own image and Maharashtra’s political traditions by failing to act against errant leaders.
Drawing on his 37 years of experience in state politics, Thackeray recalled how past leaders like Bal Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Pramod Mahajan never hesitated to crack down on members of their own parties when mistakes were made. He urged Fadnavis to act, stating that the Chief Minister should seek the resignation of leaders behaving "shamelessly," and warned that continued inaction would create the wrong precedent in Maharashtra’s politics. Thackeray concluded his message by writing, "You are wise. We have expectations from you."
