'If India is developing, why live in Dubai?' Raj Thackeray targets Vivek Oberoi, R Madhavan
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday questioned actors Vivek Oberoi and R Madhavan over their decision to settle in Dubai despite publicly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's development agenda.
Addressing an event organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena, the student wing of the MNS, in Mumbai, Thackeray alleged that several industrialists had already left India and questioned why some prominent actors had also chosen to live abroad.
'If India is developing, why live in Dubai?'
Referring to Vivek Oberoi, who portrayed Narendra Modi in the 2019 biopic PM Narendra Modi, Thackeray said the actor had also moved to Dubai.
"Vivek Oberoi, who made a film on Modi and played Modi's role in it, has also gone to live in Dubai," he said.
Turning to R Madhavan, Thackeray questioned why the actor, who has publicly praised the Prime Minister in the past, was also residing in the UAE.
"If you love India so much, if you love PM Modi, if you believe PM Modi is developing India, then why are you living in a foreign land? Why are you living in Dubai with your families?" he asked.
He further alleged that actors come to India to work in films and then return overseas, citing the upcoming film Dhurandhar as an example.
Why the actors moved to Dubai
Both actors have previously explained their reasons for relocating.
R Madhavan has said he shifted to Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic to support his son's professional swimming career by giving him access to better training facilities.
Vivek Oberoi, meanwhile, has stated that he moved to Dubai primarily to expand his business interests.
Thackeray condemns abuse against PM Modi
Raj Thackeray also commented on the recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, saying the abusive language directed at Prime Minister Modi was inappropriate.
Referring to Modi's recent appeal to forgive "misguided children" and guide them in the right direction, Thackeray said he agreed with the Prime Minister's remarks.
"No one should use such low-level language. But he should also tell people from his own party," Thackeray said.
Calls out BJP troll culture
The MNS chief alleged that online trolling was not limited to opposition leaders and claimed BJP supporters had targeted national icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and even members of the Thackeray family.
He said many actors avoid expressing political opinions out of fear of online abuse.
"Even they (BJP supporters) should be asked to stop. BJP troll teams started this. As you sow, so shall you reap," he said, adding that abuse directed at anyone was unacceptable.
NEET issue 'only a trigger'
Commenting on the recent protests, Thackeray said the NEET paper leak controversy was merely the spark behind the demonstrations.
According to him, the large public response reflected years of accumulated grievances rather than a single issue.
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