Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday questioned actors Vivek Oberoi and R. Madhavan over residing in Dubai despite publicly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led central government.

Addressing an event organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena, the student wing of the MNS, in Mumbai, Thackeray criticised the Centre and claimed that many industrialists had left the country over the years.

Raj Thackeray questions actors over Dubai residence

During his speech, Thackeray referred to Vivek Oberoi, who portrayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2019 biographical film based on the Prime Minister’s life, and questioned why he now lives in Dubai.

He also mentioned actor R. Madhavan, saying that if those who praise the Prime Minister believe India has progressed significantly under his leadership, they should explain why they have chosen to reside abroad with their families.

Thackeray further alleged that actors participate in government-backed projects in India before returning overseas.

While responding to similar questions in the past, R. Madhavan has said he relocated to Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic to support his son’s swimming career. Vivek Oberoi has previously stated that he moved to Dubai to expand his business interests.

Comments on language used during CJP protests

The MNS chief also commented on the abusive language used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent appeal that “misguided children” should be forgiven and guided in the right direction, Thackeray said he agreed that abusive language should not be used against anyone. However, he added that members and supporters of the BJP should also refrain from using similar language against political opponents.

He alleged that BJP troll groups have targeted several leaders and public figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and members of the Thackeray family. According to him, trolling has discouraged many actors from expressing their views publicly.

Thackeray said that respect should be maintained in political discourse and that abusive language directed at anyone should be avoided.

Says NEET issue became trigger for wider discontent

Speaking about the ongoing CJP protests, Raj Thackeray said the alleged NEET paper leak issue served as the immediate trigger, but the large public response reflected broader grievances that had accumulated over the years.

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging that it is aimed at weakening Tamil Nadu’s political influence. He urged all political parties, irrespective of ideology, to oppose the proposed legislation in Parliament.

Addressing reporters, the Congress MP claimed the delimitation process was designed to reduce the political strength of Tamil Nadu and appealed to every political party to unite against the proposal.

Rahul Gandhi alleges conspiracy against Tamil Nadu

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to use delimitation to diminish the political representation of Tamil Nadu.

“There is an attempt by the BJP to carry out delimitation. Delimitation is designed to disenfranchise people and take away the political power of the people of Tamil Nadu. This is a BJP conspiracy,” he said.

He further asserted that anyone supporting the proposed delimitation exercise was “betraying Tamil Nadu” and compromising the state’s future.

Invokes ‘Ettappan’ to criticise supporters

Drawing a historical parallel, Rahul Gandhi referred to Ettappan, a figure traditionally viewed in Tamil culture as a symbol of betrayal, to criticise those backing the proposal.

He described supporters of the delimitation exercise as “21st-century Ettappans” and said no Tamil should support the move.

“Every Tamil person should oppose delimitation. Every Tamil party and every national party should defeat delimitation in the House,” he said.

Debate linked to proposed constitutional amendment

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks come amid speculation that the Centre could reintroduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill during the ongoing Parliament session.

According to the discussions surrounding the proposal, the Bill seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha to as many as 850 seats and facilitate the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which provides 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures.

The speculation has gained momentum following recent political developments and party realignments ahead of the Monsoon Session.

DMK raises concerns over southern states’ representation

Amid the ongoing debate, reports have suggested that the DMK has softened its position on the proposal if the representation of southern states remains unaffected.

DMK leader TKS Elangovan said the government was again attempting to bring the delimitation proposal linked to women’s reservation before Parliament. He added that while political parties have different suggestions, the number of Lok Sabha seats allocated to southern states should not be reduced.

Prime Minister says abusive language has no place in society, urges people to guide misguided youth instead of seeking punishment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed for restraint and forgiveness after abusive slogans directed at him during a student protest over alleged paper leaks at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In a video message, he said abusive language could never resolve differences and urged society to help young people who had lost their way rather than seek revenge against them.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

Referring to the incident, the Prime Minister said the country had witnessed what happened at Jantar Mantar, where some protesters allegedly used offensive language against him and his late mother. He described the protesters as “misguided youngsters” and said such language had no place in a civilised society.

PM Modi calls for guidance instead of punishment

PM Modi said young people are capable of learning from their mistakes and stressed that anger should not determine how society responds to such incidents.

He said mistakes made during youth also present an opportunity for correction and added that the focus should be on showing the right path instead of dragging young people into prolonged legal proceedings.

“I want to forgive them. I request society also to accept what I am saying,” the Prime Minister said, adding that people should work together for the country rather than allow abusive exchanges to deepen divisions.

The video shared by the Prime Minister carried the message: “Abuses never solve anything. Let’s guide the misguided. Let’s work together. Let’s work for Bharat.”

Police case registered after protest

The remarks came after a police case was registered over alleged objectionable slogans raised during a Cockroach Janta Party-led protest at Jantar Mantar on July 23 over alleged paper leaks.

According to the complaint, a 25-year-old woman allegedly made objectionable remarks during the demonstration.

A Zero FIR was registered at the Expressway Police Station in Noida under Sections 352, 353(1) and 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to provoking a breach of peace, statements conducing to public mischief and defamation. The case was later transferred to Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi for further investigation.

Cockroach Janta Party reacts

Responding to the case, Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das said any allegedly derogatory remarks could be addressed through civil or criminal defamation proceedings by the affected individual. However, he argued that criminal machinery should not be used against protesters solely over objectionable language and termed such action condemnable.