Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday issued a stern warning against violence in the name of language, asserting that “hooliganism in the name of Marathi will not be tolerated.”
His remarks came in the wake of a violent incident in Bhayander, Thane, where a group of men donning Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) scarves allegedly assaulted a food stall owner for not speaking Marathi.
“Having pride in the Marathi language is not wrong, but if someone engages in hooliganism in the name of language, we will not tolerate it,” Fadnavis told reporters.
“If anyone resorts to violence based on language, it will not be tolerated.”
The Bhayander Incident
The controversy erupted after Babulal Khimaji Chaudhary, a local food stall owner, was attacked by MNS workers who confronted him for not conversing in Marathi.
The assailants reportedly warned him:
“If you don’t know Marathi, don’t live in Maharashtra. If you don’t speak in Marathi, we will beat everyone and drive them away, and we will break and burn down your shop.”
When Chaudhary questioned what government rule required people to speak Marathi, he was slapped and punched repeatedly, according to eyewitnesses.
Police Action and FIR
Fadnavis assured that police action has been taken.
“The police have filed an FIR and taken action on the incident. If anyone creates such a language dispute in future, legal action will be taken,” the CM said.
“We are proud of our Marathi, but injustice cannot be done to any language of India in this manner.”
CM’s Criticism of Language Politics
Calling out the hypocrisy of those who stir such disputes, Fadnavis remarked:
“Sometimes I am surprised that these people embrace English and create disputes over Hindi. What kind of thinking is this and what kind of action is this?”
He reiterated that the rule of law will prevail, and no one will be allowed to take justice into their own hands.
This incident has reignited debate around linguistic tolerance and regional identity, especially in a diverse state like Maharashtra. While language pride is acceptable, Fadnavis’ clear message is that violence in its name is unacceptable and punishable.