'I'm From UP, Bleed For Maharashtra': 26/11 Hero Ex-MARCOS Slams & Asks Raj Thackeray's 'Warriors' Not To Divide Nation Amid Marathi Row

Amid the ongoing language row in Maharashtra, 26/11 terror attack hero, former MARCOS (Marine Commando Force) personnel Praveen Kumar fought bravely to survive while helping rescue 150 people at the Taj Hotel—has expressed strong views on the controversy.

Teotia posted a photo of himself smiling in uniform, wearing a bulletproof vest marked with 'UP' and carrying a gun slung around his neck.

"I saved Mumbai on 26/11. I bleed for Maharashtra. I'm from UP," the post read. He further questioned Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers, asking where they were during the Taj attack and asked them not to divide the nation.

"I saved the Taj Hotel. Where were Raj Thakre's so Called Warriors? Don't divide the Nation. Smiles don't require any Language," Teotia said in a post responding to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s video warning against hooliganism and violence in the name of language.

Speaking to news agency ANI on Sunday, the gallant soldier said says the MNS should focus on developmental work which they haven't over the years and avoid politicising the language issue: "When the 26/11 terrorist attack happened, their (MNS) so-called warriors hid and could not be found anywhere. He (Raj Thackeray) himself, along with Uddhav Thackeray and his family, could also not be found... People who saved others, such as army personnel, are primarily from UP and Bihar... I was there, handled the situation, and faced the terrorists. I am also from UP and come from a village of Chaudhary Charan Singh. So, don't teach us politics. Separate politics from language. We take pride in Marathi, but people shouldn't politicise it. If you want to do politics, focus on developmental work and jobs. Raj Thackeray and MNS have not done any developmental work yet..."

Who Is Praveen Kumar Teotia?

Praveen Kumar Teotia is a former Commando (MARCOS) who led his team during the counter-terrorist operations during the 26/11 terrorist attack at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. He suffered multiple injuries and took four bullets during the operation, but his prompt action and counter-attack saved more than 150 lives on the horrific day.