From loudspeaker to Hindujannayak, decoding Raj Thackeray's video teasers ahead of Pune rally

With MNS chief Raj Thackeray set to address another rally in Pune on Sunday, the party has released two video teasers on social media. Using the clips, India Today decodes what may be Thackeray’s big talking points in Pune.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray is going to address yet another rally in Pune on Sunday, May 22. This is his second public meeting in the city in three months. This time, too, it will be held in a closed auditorium.

It was on March 9, which marked the 16th Foundation day of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), that Raj Thackeray addressed his cadre at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch. But why is the MNS organising back-to-back public rallies in four cities?

For the Sunday rally, MNS has released two video teasers on social media. The first clip uses extracts from Raj Thackeray’s address in Aurangabad. In this video snippet, the MNS chief raises the issue of noise pollution from loudspeakers at religious places. Notably, the first frame of this teaser proclaims in bold letters: “Hindujannayak”, the title conferred upon Thackeray during the MNS Uttar Sabha in Thane.

READ | Raj Thackeray shares old video of Bal Thackeray on loudspeakers as his May 3 deadline ends

The video further shows Thackeray taking up the challenge to settle the loudspeaker issue once and for all. He is heard warning his cadre and at the same time trying to stir up the Hindu community, telling them it’s high time to raise their voice against “loudspeaker pollution”. Draped in a saffron shawl, the MNS chief is firmly identified as the Hindujannayak, the saviour or protector of Hindus, in this short clip.

The very next day, the MNS party posted a second video teaser. This snippet starts with excerpts from Raj Thackeray's Gudi Padwa speech, in which he states that he is not against any religion or religious beliefs. He warns not to disturb his community and also tried to justify his party's stand against people from north India.

Thackeray recounted his past statement that when Narendra Modi was sworn in as PM of India, he should focus on the development of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand so that people of these states do not need to migrate to developed states in search of work. This excerpt from his Thane rally shows the MNS chief double down on why he is against UP, ‘bhaiyas’ or Bihari people.