‘Resign or Join RSS’: Raj Thackeray Slams Nagpur Police Chief Vishwas Nangare Patil Over Viral Speech

By Political Bureau

New Delhi Chronicle

MUMBAI / NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday launched a scathing attack on senior IPS officer Vishwas Nangare Patil over his recent remarks at a right-wing event. Thackeray stated that if the top cop wanted to publicly display his admiration for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he should immediately resign from the police service and formally join the RSS or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The political firestorm erupted after an undated video went viral on social media, showing Nangare Patil—who was recently appointed as the Nagpur Police Commissioner—addressing a ‘Hindu Sammelan’ organized by the Sakal Hindu Samaj.

Taking to Facebook to voice his criticism, Raj Thackeray reminded the high-ranking police official that a civil servant’s ultimate loyalty must rest entirely with the duties, rules, and responsibilities of the law enforcement force. He accused Nangare Patil of exhibiting “dual loyalty” by eagerly broadcasting his ideological leanings.

“Have you forgotten that you are a police officer and that impartiality is one of the foremost expectations from someone in your position?” Thackeray wrote in his social media post. “If you have affection or admiration for the RSS, keep it to yourself.”

‘Guaranteed Rehabilitation Scheme’

Taking a further dig at the ruling dispensation, the MNS leader suggested that the IPS officer might be looking to transition into a political career after his policing tenure.

“If you wish to express it publicly, then resign from service and join the RSS or the BJP. After all, for the past several years, there has practically been a guaranteed rehabilitation scheme for favored officers. You too would surely be accommodated,” Thackeray added sharply.

Opposition Demands Investigation

The controversy comes at a sensitive time, just days after Nangare Patil took charge of the high-profile Nagpur police commissionerate. The viral video has not only drawn the ire of the MNS but has also united Maharashtra’s opposition benches in demanding accountability.

The Maharashtra Congress has formally sought an official inquiry into Nangare Patil’s speech. Congress leaders alleged that the top cop’s public alignment at an event organized by the Sakal Hindu Samaj raises serious questions regarding his professional neutrality, code of conduct, and strict compliance with the Central Civil Services Conduct Rules.