MNS chief describes 2019 general election as third war of India’s independence

Calling the 2019 general elections as the third war of India’s independence, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday said it is time for a Modi-mukt Bharat, and all parties must unite to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“India won its first freedom in 1947 and second in 1977. In 2019, India will need the third independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given the slogan of Congress-mukt Bharat, but now it is necessary to say Modi-mukt Bharat,” Mr. Thackeray said at a rally at Shivaji Park, Dadar, on the occasion of Gudi Padwa.

“Mr. Modi’s very own Gujarat voted against him and brought down the party’s tally. If Gujarat can do this, then think about the rest of the country. This government has given nothing but promises,” he said.

Demonetisation would turn out to be the biggest scam in the history of independent India, if an investigation is carried out, he said.

Mr. Thackeray said the the BJP’s next step would be to provoke Hindu-Muslim riots across the country, using Ayodhya’s Ram temple issue. “I am no astrologer, but I know politics. I was the one who had said that this country would witness caste-based conflicts. I am making a prediction now. Ram temple will be used to invoke riots between Hindus and Muslims.”

In his speech of over one hour, Mr. Thackeray asked the media as to whether they are afraid of doing an investigative report on the Rafale deal. “Journalists, editors are being sacked for speaking against the government. Sridevi’s death was all over the media for many days. But did any news channel run a single story on the death of Judge Loya? Why? Wasn’t it suspicious enough for them?”

Taking a dig at actor Akshay Kumar, the MNS chief said he is trying to be the next Manoj Kumar by appearing in government-sponsored movies. “But how many of you know that he is a Canadian citizen?”