Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Amit Thackeray on Tuesday extended his support to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk but not from CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke.
Addressing the media, Thackeray criticised what he described as the dilution of the protest’s seriousness and also launched a scathing attack on the state government over the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link project and the lack of accountability in governance.
Speaking on Wangchuk’s ongoing protest, Thackeray said he fully supports the activist’s cause but does not endorse the manner in which Dipke has been associated with the agitation.
“I support Sonam Wangchuk, but I am not with Abhijeet Dipke,” Thackeray said. He criticised the trend of people dancing and making social media reels at the protest site, saying such actions undermine the gravity of the movement.
Without elaborating on the incidents, Thackeray claimed that 20 people had died by suicide over the issue and questioned the government’s response. He demanded the resignation of the minister concerned, calling the situation unacceptable.
He also questioned Dipke’s approach, asking whether he was under pressure to continue mobilising supporters. “This is not the time for theatrics. Expressing yourself on social media is not a victory,”
Thackeray said, adding that true leadership comes from standing with people on the ground rather than seeking attention online.
Appealing to the public, Thackeray urged people across the country to support Wangchuk’s movement. “We should not wait until he dies to show our support,” he said.
Turning to infrastructure issues, the MNS leader criticised the state government over the reported damage to a section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link project shortly after it became operational.
“It developed problems just two months after it was opened. Why is the Chief Minister upset when people question the government? Citizens have every right to criticise poor work,” he said.
Thackeray said the condition of the project was an embarrassment for Maharashtra and accused the government of failing to take responsibility. He also alleged that attempts to curb criticism and political defections reflected poorly on the state’s democratic values.
Calling for greater accountability, Thackeray said the government should seek the resignation of “incompetent ministers” instead of avoiding responsibility. He alleged that political considerations ahead of future elections were preventing decisive action.
He further stated that if any loss of life were to occur in connection with the issue, “everyone in the government, starting from the Prime Minister, should be held accountable,” while adding, “God forbid such a situation arises.”
