# MNS forces Pune influencer to prostrate before Raj Thackeray’s photo

2026-09-21T07:52:19+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers in Pune allegedly forced social media influencer Mahesh Mote to prostrate before a photograph of party chief Raj Thackeray, smear black ink on his face, do sit-ups with slippers on his head, and record an apology video. The incident, which MNS leaders described as "MNS style" and "Mahaprasad", followed a reel Mote posted around 15 days ago that the party said used abusive language against Thackeray. Videos of the humiliation have surfaced online. MNS sub-divisional president Shubham Jagdale said workers tracked Mote after he returned from Kerala and brought him to the party's public relations office in Katraj. In a tearful apology video, Mote said he inadvertently spoke inappropriately and pleaded with workers not to harass him further. Police have not registered any case so far.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Both NDTV and Livemint report the same incident with near-identical details: MNS workers forced Pune influencer Mahesh Mote to prostrate before Raj Thackeray's photograph, do sit-ups with slippers on his head, and record an apology. NDTV leads with the party's own branding of the episode as "MNS style" and includes the party's term "Mahaprasad" for the treatment, giving the MNS account prominent framing. Livemint leads with the allegation of humiliation and reports the victim's plea not to be harassed further, foregrounding the coercion. Neither outlet reports any police action. The coverage is straight reporting of both the party's justification and the victim's distress. The key question is whether Pune Police will register a case, and on whose complaint, now that videos of the incident are public.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com (neutral report) <https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mns-style-influencer-made-to-prostrate-before-raj-thackeray-photo-over-reel-12074297#publisher=newsstand>
  Ledges with party's own branding 'MNS style' and 'Mahaprasad'
- livemint.com (neutral report) <https://www.livemint.com/news/india/raj-thackeray-reel-row-pune-influencer-mahesh-mote-allegedly-made-to-prostrate-do-sit-ups-and-record-apology-11789970977851.html>
  Ledges with allegation of humiliation and victim's plea

Tags: Mahesh Mote, MNS, Pune, Raj Thackeray, Shubham Jagdale
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