Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray said on Gandhi Jayanti that Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas remain important for democracy. He said remembering Gandhi should go beyond garlanding statues and holding ceremonial events. His remarks came on Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary.Key HighlightsRaj Thackeray spoke about Gandhi’s role in democracy.He said Gandhi’s teachings should not be limited to ceremonies.He highlighted questioning authority and following one’s conscience.His remarks were made on Gandhi Jayanti in Mumbai.What did Raj Thackeray say about Gandhi?Raj Thackeray said Gandhi should be remembered through his ideas and values, not only through public ceremonies. He said Gandhi’s teachings about questioning authority, dissent and conscience remain relevant in a democracy.“Remembering Gandhi should go beyond garlanding statues and commemorating his birth and death anniversaries.”Thackeray also criticised what he described as the growing focus on symbolic tributes to national leaders. He argued that Gandhi’s ideas should remain part of public and democratic life.Why did Raj Thackeray make the remarks?The statement came on October 2, when India observed Gandhi Jayanti. The day marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and is also observed internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence.Raj Thackeray used the occasion to discuss the wider meaning of Gandhi’s teachings. His comments focused on the role of citizens in questioning authority and keeping democratic values active.What is the wider context?Gandhi Jayanti saw tributes from political leaders across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also recalled Gandhi’s ideals of truth, non-violence, simplicity and Swadeshi on October 2.Raj Thackeray’s remarks focused on the difference between ceremonial remembrance and following Gandhi’s ideas in public life. He said the values associated with Gandhi continue to have relevance for democracy.The MNS chief’s comments came amid wider political debate in Maharashtra and other parts of the country. His statement was specifically linked to Gandhi Jayanti and the continuing relevance of Gandhi’s teachings.
