Political Tensions Escalate as BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Responds Strongly to Raj Thackeray’s Marathi Row Remarks

New Delhi/Mumbai, July 8: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday ignited a fresh political controversy after responding sharply to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s recent remarks advocating aggressive action against non-Marathi speakers. Without naming Thackeray directly, Dubey issued a stern warning and challenged the MNS leadership to venture beyond Maharashtra, stating provocatively, “Tumko patak patak ke maarenge” (You will be beaten repeatedly).

The confrontation stems from Raj Thackeray’s speech during a victory rally in Mumbai, where he urged MNS workers to “hit below the eardrum” anyone who refuses to speak Marathi—while advising them not to record such acts on video. The comments have reignited the long-simmering linguistic and regional debate in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Reacting to the inflammatory remarks, Dubey accused both Raj Thackeray and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray of resorting to "cheap politics" ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. “You are surviving on our money,” Dubey said, referencing major national industrial groups like Tata, Birla, and Reliance, while asserting their pan-Indian origins and investments. “Tata set up its first factory here [in Bihar],” he added.

‘If You Dare, Try Beyond Maharashtra’

Escalating his attack, Dubey challenged Raj Thackeray to extend his rhetoric beyond Maharashtra. “If you have the courage to target Hindi-speaking individuals, then also confront those speaking Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu,” he said. “Come to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or Tamil Nadu—then let’s see,” he warned, denouncing the call for violence as anarchic and unacceptable.

The BJP MP also questioned the Thackeray cousins' commitment to the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. “If they truly embody Balasaheb’s ideals, they should go to Mahim and act on their statements in front of the Mahim Dargah,” he said.

Raj Thackeray’s Original Statement

Raj Thackeray's controversial comments came during a joint appearance with Uddhav Thackeray—a rare public reunion after more than two decades. While urging non-Marathi residents to learn the local language, he told party workers: “There is no need to beat people if they don’t speak Marathi, but if someone causes a scene, hit them below the eardrums.” He further instructed them not to record such actions, saying, “Let the person say he was beaten, don’t post the video.”

Opposition Slams Dubey’s Remarks

Dubey’s remarks were quickly condemned by opposition leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi was among the first to react, questioning Dubey’s authority and intent. “Who made him the gatekeeper of Hindi, the tax keeper of India, or the spokesperson for industrialists?” she asked.

Chaturvedi further challenged the BJP's stance, directing her questions at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “Does @Dev_Fadnavis ji support this kind of language used by his party MP regarding the people of Maharashtra? Does he agree with Ashish Shelar comparing Marathi Hindus to the terrorists of Pahalgam?”

Tensions Ahead of Civic Polls

The political exchange comes at a critical time, with the BMC elections looming and both the BJP and Shiv Sena factions competing for dominance in Mumbai’s civic governance. Analysts suggest that linguistic identity politics may once again play a prominent role in the campaign narratives.

As tensions rise, both sides are facing growing scrutiny over their rhetoric and the potential impact such statements could have on communal harmony and voter sentiment.