Raj Thackeray: Can Maharashtra’s Disruptor Become India’s Alternative Leader?

Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has publicly questioned India’s foreign policy alignment, specifically criticizing the government’s approach to relations with Iran. Speaking at a recent Gudi Padwa rally, Thackeray voiced concern over what he perceives as a diminishing relationship with Tehran, a country he stated “always supported us even on Jammu & Kashmir.”

Thackeray’s remarks come as India navigates a complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, increasingly prioritizing ties with the United States and Israel. He argued that India’s oil imports from Iran, previously settled in rupees, have effectively ceased, warning of potential future repercussions. He accused India’s diplomacy of “failing” its long-standing ally, suggesting that closer ties with the U.S. And Israel have come at Iran’s expense.

The MNS chief’s stance represents a departure from the traditionally non-aligned foreign policy approach often associated with India. He called on Prime Minister Modi to demonstrate public support for Iran, asserting that Tehran has historically stood by India during times of require. This position contrasts with the Indian government’s more cautious response to recent events in the region, which has largely focused on calls for dialogue and de-escalation.

Thackeray’s political trajectory began with a split from his uncle, Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena in 2005, founding the MNS in 2006. Initially, he gained traction through Marathi-provincialist agitation, advocating for the rights of Marathi speakers and railing against perceived “outsiders.” He won 13 assembly seats in 2009, championing a secular “Maharashtra Dharma.” However, his early years were marked by controversy, including an arrest in 2008 following an incendiary anti-North Indian rally.

Over time, Thackeray attempted to broaden his appeal, unveiling a detailed “Maharashtra blueprint” in 2014 focused on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare without raising taxes. While the plan failed to translate into electoral success – the MNS failed to win any seats in the 2014 assembly elections – it signaled a shift towards governance issues. In 2026, he launched “Maharashtra Next,” a crowdsourcing portal inviting citizen input on 27 policy areas.

Despite these efforts, Thackeray’s political stance has been characterized by inconsistency. After initially avoiding communal rhetoric, the MNS adopted saffron imagery in 2020, and Thackeray began leading rallies featuring Hindu hymns. He later revived anti-North and anti-Hindi slogans in 2022, leading to confusion among supporters. This ideological shifting has contributed to a decline in the MNS’s electoral fortunes, with its vote share falling from 5.75% in 2009 to 1.55% in 2024.

Thackeray’s relationship with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also been marked by fluctuation. He quietly allied with the BJP in 2014, then opposed them in 2019, and offered “unconditional support” to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2024, only to threaten to withdraw during recent civic polls talks.

Beyond his domestic political maneuvering, Thackeray has also advocated for a more assertive national security policy. Following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in October 2024, he rejected large-scale air strikes as a solution, instead calling for targeted elimination of individual perpetrators, echoing the U.S. Response to the 9/11 attacks. He also made controversial remarks about Pakistan, stating it was “already finished.”

Analysts note that India’s relationship with Iran has undergone a significant shift in recent years. According to the Institute of South Asian Studies, Indian oil imports from Iran dropped to zero by 2019, and India withdrew from the Chabahar port deal under U.S. Sanctions. India’s strategic partnership with Israel has been strengthened, with ties upgraded to a Special Strategic Partnership in February 2026.

Thackeray’s critique of the government’s foreign policy has resonated with some observers who argue that India’s growing alignment with the West risks neglecting its historical ties with countries in the Middle East. However, critics contend that his positions are opportunistic and do not reflect a coherent strategic vision.

As of now, the Indian government has not publicly responded to Thackeray’s criticisms. India issued a “muted statement” urging dialogue following recent strikes in Iran, effectively aligning with the U.S.-Israel position. The future trajectory of India’s foreign policy in the Middle East remains uncertain.