Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 4: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly condemned the assault on a Mira Road shopkeeper by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers, declaring that violence in the name of language will not be tolerated.
The incident occurred on Sunday when seven MNS members attacked 48-year-old Babulal Chaudhary, owner of the Jodhpur Sweet Shop, after he questioned the compulsion to speak in Marathi. The men allegedly warned him against doing business in the area and began slapping him when he defended linguistic diversity in the state.
The MNS, led by Raj Thackeray, has justified the attack, claiming that Chaudhary had “insulted” Marathi. Adding to the controversy, junior Home Minister Yogesh Kadam expressed indirect support, stating that action would be taken against those who “disrespect” the language.
However, at a press conference on Friday, CM Fadnavis — who also handles the Home portfolio — drew a firm line. “An FIR was registered immediately after the incident. We will not spare anyone who engages in hooliganism in the name of language. Everyone should be proud of their language, but violence will not be accepted,” he said.
Taking a veiled dig at the MNS, Fadnavis said, “They think only they are Marathi. That is not true. We are Marathi too. Marathi-speaking people are with us and will continue to support us.”
He also cautioned that such incidents could have wider repercussions. “Marathi-speaking people do business in other states as well. If this kind of conduct is accepted, should they face violence for not speaking the local language immediately?” he asked.
Fadnavis urged people to celebrate Marathi with dignity. “If you take pride in Marathi, then learn it, teach it, and promote it. Don't use it as a weapon to divide or intimidate.”
The attack came just hours after the Maharashtra government withdrew its controversial three-language policy, which had sparked opposition from parties including the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), who alleged it was an attempt to impose Hindi.
In a show of solidarity against the now-withdrawn policy, Raj Thackeray and cousin Uddhav Thackeray are set to share the stage on Saturday for 'Marathi Vijay Diwas', marking their first public appearance together in nearly two decades.