MNS Holds Siddhivinayak Havan, Targets Centre Over Inflation and Fuel Prices

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the day he surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru's record as India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister , leaders of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Thursday performed a symbolic havan at Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple , highlighting concerns over inflation, rising fuel prices and broader economic distress .

The ritual was conducted as a counter to celebrations organised by BJP workers across the country to mark Modi completing 4,398 days in office as an elected Prime Minister.

MNS Mumbai president Sandeep Deshpande said the Prime Minister's tenure had also witnessed what he described as record highs in fuel prices, inflation and unemployment , along with a significant decline in the value of the rupee. Through the religious ceremony, party leaders said they sought divine intervention to address the economic challenges affecting ordinary citizens.

The protest underscored the MNS's attempt to connect everyday economic concerns with national political discourse , using a symbolic and culturally resonant platform to draw attention to issues such as the rising cost of living and shrinking household budgets .

In a related announcement, Deshpande said the party would provide petrol at a concessional rate of ₹5 per litre to two-wheeler riders in Mumbai on June 14 , the 58th birthday of MNS chief Raj Thackeray . The initiative, funded by the party and implemented through 36 petrol pumps across the city , will be available from 9 am.

The MNS said the fuel discount is intended both as a commemorative gesture and as a measure to provide some relief to commuters facing the burden of rising fuel costs . The move comes amid continuing political debate over inflation, employment and the impact of economic policies on everyday life.