26/11 Hero Praveen Teotia Slams Raj Thackeray, Asks ‘Where Were Your Warriors?’ Amid MNS Language Row

Former MARCOS commando Praveen Kumar Teotia, who played a key role in the 26/11 counter-terrorist operations, has strongly criticised Raj and Uddhav Thackeray over the ongoing Marathi language controversy in Maharashtra.

Teotia, who hails from Uttar Pradesh and led operations during the Mumbai attacks at the Taj Hotel, questioned the absence of Raj Thackeray’s supporters during the 2008 siege, while reminding the public of the contributions made by personnel from states like UP and Bihar.

Teotia’s Direct Question to Thackerays

“I saved Mumbai on 26/11. I bleed for Maharashtra. I’m from UP. I saved the Taj Hotel. Where were Raj Thackeray’s so-called warriors? Don’t divide the nation. Smiles don’t require any language,” said Teotia, author of 26/11 Braveheart: My Encounter with Terrorists That Night.

He reiterated the sentiment in an interview with ANI, claiming that during the 26/11 attacks, the people who stood up against the terrorists were not political leaders but military personnel from UP and Bihar.

Not Anti-Marathi, But Against Language Politics

Clarifying that his remarks were not anti-Marathi, Teotia expressed deep respect for Marathi culture and Maratha warriors.

He stated, “I am proud of Marathi and Maratha warriors. Don’t allow such losers to divide us. Language shouldn’t be a part of politics.”

He emphasized the need to focus on real issues like unemployment, development, agriculture, education, rape cases, pending court matters, and terrorism.

Social Media Message and National Appeal

Sharing a photo of himself in commando gear on social media platform X, Teotia reinforced his message.

“I saved Mumbai on 26/11. I bleed for Maharashtra. I’m from UP. I saved the Taj Hotel. Where were Raj Thakre’s so-called warriors? Don’t divide the Nation. Smiles don’t require any Language,” he posted.

Teotia’s bulletproof vest in the image bore the mark “UP,” underlining his identity and the cross-regional unity displayed during the 26/11 operations.

Thackerays Silent Amid Backlash

Neither Raj nor Uddhav Thackeray has responded publicly to Teotia’s remarks.

The controversy comes at a time when tensions over language policies are resurfacing in Maharashtra, especially after the state government rolled back a proposed three-language policy following strong opposition led by the Thackeray cousins.

MNS Language Controversy and Assaults

Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has been at the center of the language debate.

His supporters have been accused of attacking non-Marathi speakers, including a recent incident in Bhayander where a shopkeeper was slapped for allegedly not using Marathi.

The victim was reportedly speaking Hindi when asked what language is spoken in Maharashtra, to which he replied “all languages.”

At a public rally, Raj Thackeray appeared to justify such violence, advising supporters to assault those who “do drama” over language, saying, “Be it a Gujarati or anyone else here, must know Marathi, but there is no need to beat people for that. Yet, if someone does some drama, you must hit them below their eardrums.”

He added, “If you beat someone, don’t make a video of the incident. Let the person beaten up tell that he has been beaten up; you don’t need to tell everyone.”

Uddhav Thackeray’s Support

At the same rally, Uddhav Thackeray defended his cousin’s controversial remarks. “Yes, we are goons; if we have to be goons to get justice, we will do goondagiri,” he said, defending the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers accused of violence.

Teotia Responds to Political Rhetoric

Speaking to ANI, Teotia condemned the stance taken by both Thackerays. “When the 26/11 terrorist attack happened, their (MNS) so-called warriors hid and could not be found anywhere. He (Raj Thackeray), along with Uddhav Thackeray and his family, could also not be found,” Teotia asserted.

Call for Focus on Real Issues

He urged politicians to stop politicising language and instead work on real developmental issues.

“Separate politics from language. We take pride in Marathi, but people shouldn’t politicise it. If you want to do politics, focus on developmental work and jobs. Raj Thackeray and MNS have not done any developmental work yet,” he said.

Teotia’s strong stand against divisive politics, and his call for unity, comes at a crucial time in Maharashtra’s political climate, where language continues to be used as a tool for polarisation.