21 September,2026 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Amit Thackeray. Pic/Facebook
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Amit Thackeray on Sunday said he had prayed to Lord Ganesha for his father and MNS chief Raj Thackeray to become the chief minister of Maharashtra, saying he believed his father could address problems facing the state.
Amit Thackeray made the remarks while speaking to reporters after visiting Ganesh mandals in Pune during Ganeshotsav. His comments came amid a wider political debate over Maharashtra's leadership and the drought-like conditions affecting parts of the state.
Amit Thackeray said his prayer to Lord Ganesha was focused on resolving problems faced by people in Maharashtra.
"I asked for only one thing, that the problems in Maharashtra should be resolved. The only person who can do that is the one who should be given the status of Chief Minister, should be appointed to that position," he said.
When reporters asked him to identify the person he was referring to, Amit Thackeray replied, "What do you think? My father... Rajsaheb Thackeray."
He further explained why he believed his father should become chief minister.
"Yes, I think that the problems of the people should be resolved. The problems of women, farmers, and students should be resolved. No one pays attention to the people. That is why I have asked Raj Thackeray, who pays attention to them, to become the Chief Minister," Amit Thackeray said.
The remarks amount to Amit Thackeray expressing his personal political preference for his father; they do not represent a current government decision or an established political arrangement.
Amit Thackeray's comments came during his Ganeshotsav visits across Pune, where he said he had been visiting an increasing number of mandals each year.
"I am visiting more and more mandals every year. The vibe is great, after Gauri, people from many cities come to Pune to watch Ganeshotsav. I have walked everywhere myself," he said.
His remarks about Raj Thackeray were made in response to questions about what he had prayed for during his Ganesh darshan.
The MNS chief's son has increasingly been active in the party's political activities, while his latest comments put his father's potential bid for the chief minister's post at the centre of his Pune visit.
Amit Thackeray also demanded that the Maharashtra government immediately declare a drought and provide relief to farmers facing crop losses because of the prolonged dry spell.
The state government has acknowledged drought-like conditions in several districts and has begun assessing the situation. The issue has become a subject of political debate, with opposition leaders demanding immediate financial assistance for affected farmers.
Amit said he would also tour the Marathwada region in the coming days to assess the situation.
Amit Thackeray also criticised the government over the controversy involving Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Jadhav, who was seen eating almonds and cashews during a meeting in Nanded convened to discuss drought-like conditions and farmer distress.
Responding to questions about the incident, Amit said, "Why is the government delaying the declaration of drought? We are not stopping you from eating. Eat dry fruits if you want to, but go and meet the farmers. How will you understand the situation otherwise?"
He called for government representatives to visit affected farmers and assess the situation directly rather than relying only on meetings.
