MeToo movement: MNS chief Raj Thackeray says matter a serious issue, women must raise their voice

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray stated that the MeToo movement is a serious issue and debating over the matter on social media platforms isn't right. He, however, asserted that the discussion was encouraged to divert attention from rising petrol price, depreciation in rupee value and unemployment across the country. 

Speaking at Amravati in Maharashtra on Wednesday, Thackeray extended support to women who had to face the brunt of sexual misconduct and said that if anything like MeToo happens, women can reach out to the MNS. He further said that MNS will teach a lesson to the accused. But he also added that women must raise their voice when they face oppression and not after 10 years.

"MeToo is a serious matter, a debate over it on Twitter isn't right. It seems it's being done to divert attention from petrol price, rupee value and unemployment. If anything like MeToo happens, women can come to MNS. We'll teach a lesson to accused. Women must raise a voice when they face oppression, not after 10 years," said Thackeray.

Reacting to the recent row where actor Tanushree Dutta levelled allegations on Nana Patekar of sexual harassment, Thackeray said, "I know Nana Patekar, he is indecent. He does crazy things but I don't think he can do such a thing. Court will look into it. What is the media to do with it?" 

The MNS leader also questioned the role of media in the matter.