“Where Were Your So-Called Warriors?”: 26/11 Hero Praveen Kumar Teotia Slams Raj Thackeray Amid Marathi-Migrant Row

A National Hero Challenges Regional Politics

The ongoing language and regional identity debate in Maharashtra has taken a dramatic turn, as a decorated war hero has stepped into the spotlight with a question that cuts straight to the heart of the issue: “Where were your so-called warriors when bullets rained on Mumbai?” These words, spoken by Praveen Kumar Teotia, a former MARCOS commando who was grievously injured while fighting terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, have electrified national discourse.

His comment, aimed directly at Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, challenges the narrative of linguistic pride and regional supremacy that the party has long propagated—particularly in relation to migrants from North Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Who Is Praveen Kumar Teotia?

Praveen Kumar Teotia served as a commando in the elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) unit of the Indian Navy. During the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, he was part of the team deployed to neutralize terrorists at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, one of the primary targets of the assault that claimed over 160 lives.

Teotia played a crucial role in evacuating trapped guests and engaging the terrorists directly. He sustained four bullet injuries, including one to the chest and another that damaged his lungs and ear. Despite his life-threatening wounds, he continued to assist in evacuation until he was medically evacuated. His bravery earned him the Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.

The Bold Rebuttal to Raj Thackeray

Teotia, who hails from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, released a public statement in response to Raj Thackeray’s repeated remarks targeting North Indian migrants. He wrote:

“I am from UP. I fought to save Mumbai during 26/11. I risked my life inside the Taj Hotel. Where were your so-called warriors? I didn’t see any political outfit helping us when bullets were flying. So don’t divide the nation in the name of language.”

His statement is seen as a pointed rebuttal to Thackeray’s longstanding claims that non-Marathi people, particularly from North India, are undermining the cultural and economic fabric of Maharashtra. Teotia’s emphasis was on national unity, questioning the basis of selective pride and identity politics.

Why Teotia’s Words Matter

This isn’t a typical online spat between political ideologies—it’s a statement from a man who has proven his love for the country not through words, but through sacrifice. While political leaders often rely on crowd-pleasing speeches, Teotia represents a different kind of heroism—one grounded in real action.

When terrorists struck Mumbai on 26 November 2008, the city was paralyzed. Civilians from all regions and religions were trapped in hotels, railway stations, and hospitals. In those critical hours, nobody asked who spoke Marathi, Hindi, or Tamil. It was men like Teotia who risked their lives so that others could survive.

The Timing: A Growing Divide

Teotia’s comments come at a time when tensions in Maharashtra are again on the rise. MNS, under Raj Thackeray’s leadership, has revived its demand for prioritizing Marathi speakers in employment and governance. In several public rallies, Thackeray has criticized the influx of people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, claiming they overburden local infrastructure and culture.

This has led to increasing social tension, especially in Mumbai, which is home to millions of migrants from across India. Many have now begun to push back, emphasizing the city’s multicultural identity and inclusive spirit. Teotia’s message resonates with this perspective.

Public Response: Resonance Across India

Since Teotia’s statement went public, there has been a wave of support from citizens, veterans, journalists, and activists. Many see his voice as a much-needed reminder of what real patriotism looks like.

Veterans groups have praised Teotia for standing up not only against terrorism but also against divisive politics. Civilians from across the country, particularly those from migrant communities in Maharashtra, have found in him a symbol of national unity and dignified courage.

His statement has sparked debate not just on social media but also in political and academic circles. Questions are being raised about the ethics of using language and regional identity as political tools, especially when it leads to discrimination against hardworking, tax-paying citizens from other parts of the country.

The Real Face of Bravery

Perhaps the most striking contrast lies in the difference between what politicians call bravery and what it truly is.

• Bravery is not holding a microphone and shouting slogans.

• Bravery is entering a building filled with armed terrorists to rescue people you’ve never met.

• Bravery is getting shot, bleeding out, and still choosing to serve your country when you recover.

That is what Praveen Kumar Teotia represents. And that is why his question to Raj Thackeray has such weight.

Beyond Language: What Kind of India Do We Want?

The real question Teotia raises is not just for Raj Thackeray. It is for all of us: What kind of India are we building? One that is fragmented by language, region, and caste—or one that stands united in the face of adversity?

Mumbai, and India at large, has always been a land of migrants, workers, artists, and soldiers—from every part of the country. The progress of this nation depends on unity, not uniformity.

Conclusion: A Nation’s Integrity Over Regional Identity

Teotia’s voice may be one, but it echoes loudly across the nation. His challenge to divisive politics is not just a personal statement; it is a public wake-up call. At a time when rhetoric threatens to tear communities apart, his words act as a mirror to society—and especially to its political leaders.

Where were your so-called warriors?

In a single sentence, Praveen Kumar Teotia has reminded India of what it truly means to serve the nation.