At Mumbai Press Club event, MNS chief flags public discontent, questions law and order and urges police to be freed from political interference

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Wednesday said the next Five months could bring significant developments in the country, suggesting that there could even be a period when India would not have a Prime Minister. He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the ‘Dance of Democracy’ photo exhibition at the Mumbai Press Club.

“There is anger among people over various issues, and each of these grievances needs a platform,” Thackeray said, referring to protests over the NEET examination and issues concerning the Election Commission. He cited inflation, rising educational fees and women’s safety among the concerns fuelling public discontent, adding that people could not be expected to suppress their anger indefinitely.

Drawing a parallel with developments in France, Thackeray said public unrest did not emerge without underlying reasons. He also referred to the drought situation, saying the challenges ahead could prove difficult for the government to handle.

On the firing incident linked to actor Tiger Shroff, Thackeray questioned the BJP’s approach to law and order, saying the party should maintain the same position on security issues whether in power or in opposition. Referring to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, he called for stringent action against criminals and said they must fear the law.

Thackeray also called for greater autonomy for the Mumbai Police, saying he had complete confidence in the force. Political interference should be reduced and the police given a free hand to act against criminal networks, he said.

The MNS chief reiterated his demand for elections to be conducted using ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs). Referring to election practices in other countries, he questioned why India could not return to ballot paper voting. He rejected the argument that the process would delay the declaration of results, pointing out that Lok Sabha elections are already conducted in multiple phases.

The ‘Dance of Democracy’ exhibition features photographs by Gajanan Dudhalakar, a former senior photographer with Kolkata-based newspaper The Telegraph and a member of the Mumbai Press Club. The collection documents India’s electoral process during the ballot paper era, including elections held during the tenure of former Chief Election Commissioner T. N. Seshan, known for enforcing electoral discipline and strict rules.

The exhibition opened on October 21 and will remain on display until November 20 at the Mumbai Press Club’s photo gallery. It is open to visitors daily from 11 am to 10 pm. Press Club president Surendra Gangan welcomed Thackeray with a bouquet and a memento at the inauguration. Vice-president Pandurang Maske was also present.