Rajeev Rai broke his silence when a viral video showed Marathi activists harassing Hindi-speaking migrants, igniting a fierce language and identity debate across Maharashtra. He warned that such tactics harm the state’s unity and undermine the values that built its economy, including Bollywood’s legacy.
By calling out this violent rhetoric, Rajeev Rai urged leaders to choose dialogue over division, defend every citizen’s right to earn, and respect Maharashtra’s heritage.
Rajeev Rai’s Sharp Message to Raj Thackeray
Rajeev Rai, Member of Parliament from Ghosi and the national secretary and spokesperson of the Samajwadi Party, posted a strongly worded message on X directed at Raj Thackeray. He began by questioning why Thackeray still lacked real political strength in Maharashtra. Rai accused him of resorting to violence against poor Hindi-speaking migrants just to stay in the media spotlight. He pointed out the irony of attacking Hindi speakers while benefiting from the Hindi film industry, which made Thackeray’s family billions.
प्रिय राज ठाकरे !
कभी सोचा है आपने कि अभी तक महाराष्ट्र में आपकी राजनैतिक ताक़त क्यों नहीं बनी?जब कोई पूछता नही है तो मीडिया में आने के लिए ग़रीब हिन्दी भाषियों के साथ गुंडागर्दी करना आपकी कायरता की निशानी है ।
जिस हिंदी फ़िल्मों से आपके परिवार की अरबों की कमाई हुई, हिंदी…
— Rajeev Rai (@RajeevRai) July 8, 2025
Rai challenged him to remove Bollywood from Mumbai if he truly had courage. He reminded that thousands of Marathi families also depend on Hindi cinema. He called Marathi a language of culture, not violence, and stated that every Indian has equal rights in every part of the country, just like every Marathi citizen does.
Bollywood Benefits, But Migrants Are Targeted?
Rajeev Rai raised a critical question: Why does the same industry that built Mumbai’s global fame face constant criticism? He highlighted how Hindi cinema created jobs for thousands of Marathi technicians, artists, and support staff. Rai noted that Bollywood contributions fund local businesses, hospitality, and tourism across Maharashtra.
He asked why Raj Thackeray never acknowledges these facts, yet leads attacks on the very migrants sustaining the state’s economy. By exposing this contradiction, Rai invited readers to reconsider prejudice masked as regional pride.
“Guest Is God”: A Forgotten Indian Ethos
Rajeev Rai reminded everyone of the ancient Indian saying, “Atithi Devo Bhava,” meaning “Guest Is God.” He warned that treating migrants as enemies betrays Maharashtra’s heritage of hospitality. Rai emphasised that cultural strength lies in welcoming strangers, not in hurling insults.
He argued that real leadership fosters inclusion and respect across linguistic divides. By invoking Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, Rai urged unity under shared values rather than petty hooliganism. He called on all leaders to honour India’s ethos and protect every worker’s dignity.
Netizens React: Widespread Support for Rai’s Call for Unity Over Division
Rajeev Rai’s open letter triggered a flood of public responses online. Users across platforms shared their views, with most praising his courage and calling for unity over hate. “Kyu aapko SP se nikala jaa raha hai kya. Aapki bhadha dekh kar lag raha hai ki aapki koi sunta nahi hai SP mai.” This sarcastic comment indirectly points to Rajeev Rai’s frustration with his party. The user mocks the silence of political allies and suggests that Rai’s rising voice reflects deeper discontent within the Samajwadi Party.
“Asli taaqat gundagardi mein nahi, balki sahishnuta aur samvaad mein hoti hai. Hindi cinema ne sirf apne parivaar ko nahi, balki laakho kalakaron ko samriddh kiya hai. Humein bhaasha ke bhed ko bhoolkar, ekjut hokar aage badhna chahiye. Loktantra ka asli paksh kya hai, isse samajhna chahiye.” Here, the user agrees with Rajeev Rai’s call for non-violence and dialogue. The comment highlights Hindi cinema’s role in empowering countless artists and urges people to rise above language divisions in the interest of true democracy.
“Kam se kam koi to bola! Dhanyavaad Rajeev ji ko, jinhone iss mudde ko uthaya aur yeh sabit kiya ki reedh abhi bhi kuch logon mein baaki hai. Baaki to sab INDIA gathbandhan ke saathi iss mudde par mooh silkar baithe hain… Bhaasha ke naam par utpaat machvaane waalon ka gathbandhan ke naam par saath – koi virodh nahi! Itna kaise gir sakte hain yeh neta? Kya sach mein raajneeti itni gir chuki hai? Uttar Bharatiyon ke aansu, unki izzat aur rozgaar se badi ho gayi hai inki alliance wali politics! Chullu bhar paani dhoondh ke doob jana chahiye un sab netaon ko, jo sab kuch jaankar bhi chup baithe hain.” The user’s powerful reaction applauds Rai’s boldness and criticises alliance leaders for staying silent. The user condemns political hypocrisy and the use of language politics while migrant dignity continues to suffer.
“Itne dhang se aapne samjhaane ki koshish ki hai, Samajh jaayein to theek, warna ek aur ek milkar do hi rahenge — Gyaarah banne mein saalon lag jaayenge!” This comment appreciates the clarity of Rai’s message. It warns that if such voices are ignored, unity will remain weak, and true collective power will take years to build.
Public sentiment clearly leans toward inclusion, empathy, and respect—principles Rajeev Rai brought back into the spotlight with his post. Rajeev Rai’s letter forces Maharashtra’s leaders to rethink politics based on fear and division. He shows that unity and respect make real strength.
Note: This article is based on a viral video/post. DNP India does not endorse, verify, or subscribe to these claims.
