“Had I Listened to My Father…”: Amit Thackeray Reflects on Ignoring Raj Thackeray’s Advice

Pune, 8th May 2025: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) youth leader Amit Thackeray has admitted to regretting a key piece of advice once given to him by his father, MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Speaking at a caricature exhibition at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir in Pune, Amit shared a personal reflection on his missed opportunity to hone his artistic skills.

Raj Thackeray, known not just for his political leadership but also for his artistic flair as a cartoonist, had urged his son to dedicate at least one hour daily to drawing cartoons—regardless of his schedule. Recalling this, Amit said, “I didn’t listen to my father. I would only draw occasionally.
Cartooning is not something you can learn easily—it has to come from within. Many of my friends studied fine arts, but even they find caricature difficult.”

He praised the young artists participating in the exhibition, encouraging them to nurture their talents consistently. “It’s heartening to see so many children showcase their talent. I want to pass on my father’s advice to them: no matter how busy you are, give at least an hour a day to cartooning,” Amit said. He also commended MNS office-bearers for organizing the event, calling it a “wonderful initiative.”

On the sidelines of the event, Amit was asked about Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory airstrike following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. While he praised the Indian Armed Forces, he offered a nuanced view on the situation.

“The military deserves our highest respect. Every Indian is proud of our soldiers,” he said. “But while the Pahalgam attack filled me with sorrow, the airstrike didn’t bring complete satisfaction—because the terrorists responsible are still alive. True justice will only be served when they are eliminated.”

Echoing Raj Thackeray’s earlier statement that “war is not the answer,” Amit questioned internal lapses: “How did the terrorists enter Pahalgam in the first place? That’s the question that needs to be asked. Retaliation is one thing, but how did they manage to kill 25 people inside our borders? This reflects a serious failure in our security system. Still, we must salute our soldiers.”

Amit Thackeray, who unsuccessfully contested the recent Assembly election from Mahim, continues to focus on strengthening the party’s grassroots base. His increasing public engagements reflect an evolving strategy that blends political messaging with cultural outreach.