The simmering language controversy in Maharashtra has escalated into a full-blown political and social flashpoint, following a provocative statement by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. Speaking at a rally in Mira-Bhayandar, Thackeray declared, “If you can’t understand Marathi even when it’s spoken into your ear, you’ll get a slap below it.”
His remarks come days after MNS workers assaulted a shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi—an incident that sparked local outrage and led to a traders’ strike in protest. Thackeray, instead of condemning the violence, defended the actions of his party workers and mocked the protesting shopkeepers. “If someone shuts their shop under pressure, how long will they keep it shut? If we stop buying, then what?” he warned, sending a chilling message to dissenters.
“Fool Around Here, and a Slap is Guaranteed”
In an unapologetic continuation of his hardline stance, Thackeray added, “If you are in this state, stay quiet and do your work. But if you fool around, a slap is guaranteed.”
The MNS chief also fired back at BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who had earlier made a controversial remark suggesting that “Marathi people will be beaten mercilessly.” Responding in kind, Thackeray threatened, “You come to Mumbai. We will drown you in the sea of Mumbai.”
A Surge in Linguistic Vigilantism
The language tension is no longer confined to political rhetoric. A series of disturbing incidents across Maharashtra point to a rising trend of linguistic vigilantism. Viral videos circulating on social media show MNS workers confronting and harassing non-Marathi speakers—shopkeepers, auto drivers, and even bank employees.
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In Mumbai, a pharmacy worker was publicly assaulted and made to apologise for a WhatsApp status allegedly disrespecting the Marathi language.
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In Pune, a bank manager was slapped during working hours for speaking Hindi with customers.
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In other areas, reports of vandalism and verbal intimidation linked to language enforcement continue to surface.
These events have not only drawn strong criticism from civil society and opposition leaders but have also prompted legal scrutiny into the actions of MNS cadres.
Growing Political and Public Backlash
While Raj Thackeray continues to stoke linguistic nationalism, critics argue that his tactics are fostering a culture of fear and regional intolerance. Many see his remarks as part of a calculated political strategy to reassert the MNS's relevance ahead of upcoming elections.
Legal experts warn that the recent assaults and threats may constitute criminal intimidation and could attract serious charges under the Indian Penal Code. Human rights activists, meanwhile, are calling for stronger state action to prevent mob-style enforcement of linguistic preferences.
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