‘Digital Trap Set For Citizens’: MNS Chief Raj Thackeray Attacks Govt Over 0.4 Per Cent UPI Charges

Mumbai, September 19, 2026: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray criticized the Central government's 0.4 percent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on specific Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, claiming the administration is ensnaring the nation in a digital trap. In a statement on social media platform X, Thackeray accused the MahaYuti coalition-led Maharashtra government of misleading citizens into believing free digital transactions, only to impose charges once they become accustomed to the system.

He traced the trajectory of digital payments from demonetization to the nationwide UPI adoption, stating that citizens were made reliant on digital architecture before levying fees. Thackeray questioned the lack of permanent budgetary provisions for maintaining and securing digital transactions, asserting that the government had quietly ensnared both merchants and consumers.

He also raised concerns over the 18 percent GST on top of the MDR and alleged foreign policy influences on the decision. Thackeray called upon merchants, small business owners, and retail associations to resist the new transaction levies.