- Shopkeeper assaulted in Mira Road for allegedly refusing to speak Marathi
- Viral video sparks outrage over language politics in Maharashtra
- MNS activists reportedly involved; FIR filed by Kashimira police
A fresh controversy over language erupted in Maharashtra this week after a viral video showed a shopkeeper in Mira Road being assaulted for allegedly refusing to speak Marathi.
The incident, which involved individuals reportedly affiliated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has triggered widespread outrage and political reactions.
According to police reports, the confrontation began when MNS workers asked the shopkeeper to speak in Marathi. When he responded in Hindi and questioned the demand, the situation escalated into physical violence.
The Kashimira police have registered an FIR against seven unidentified individuals under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Tonight I name and shame the 5 MNS cowards who mercilessly slapped a Mumbai shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi.
Won’t rest till these 5 mindless thugs of Raj Thackeray’s “party” are dragged to jail.
An @ndtv campaign. pic.twitter.com/WvtFwNZ9wJ
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) July 2, 2025
Political Leaders React to Marathi Language Controversy
Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam stated, “In Maharashtra, you have to speak Marathi. If you don’t know Marathi, your attitude shouldn’t be that you won’t speak Marathi.”
However, he also condemned the assault, urging citizens not to take the law into their own hands and to file complaints through proper channels.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We don’t want anybody to take the law into their hands, but when Marathi or Maharashtra is insulted, things can escalate.” His remarks reflect the emotional weight the Marathi language carries in the state’s cultural identity.
Maharashtra : After Raj Thackeray, Now Uddhav Thackeray's goons was brought non-marathi people to their house/office and slapped for not speaking #Marathi.
Non-Marathas are being repeatedly targeting in Maharashtra. #UBTGoons#UddhavThackeray #Maharashtra#NonMarathiUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/mdSlaQHXvN
— TIger NS (@TIgerNS3) July 3, 2025
Language Policy and Political Fallout
The incident comes amid ongoing debates over the state’s language policy. Recently, the Maharashtra government withdrew a resolution mandating Hindi as a compulsory third language in schools, following backlash from regional parties and cultural groups. MNS had planned protests against the policy, citing concerns over linguistic imposition.
Raj Thackeray, MNS chief, had previously urged supporters to ensure Marathi is used in public and commercial spaces. While the party defends its stance on promoting Marathi, critics argue that enforcement through intimidation undermines constitutional rights and social harmony.
Calls for respectful dialogue and legal recourse continue to dominate public discourse. The Marathi language remains a cornerstone of regional pride, but its promotion must balance cultural preservation with inclusivity.
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