Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 20: A verbal altercation over a seat in a crowded Mumbai local train took an ugly turn on the night of July 18, when a woman allegedly told a fellow commuter to "speak Marathi or get out," sparking a fresh controversy over language and regional identity.

The incident occurred aboard a CSMT-Khopoli local train and has since gone viral across social media platforms, triggering widespread debate and drawing sharp responses from netizens and political commentators alike.

According to Central Railway sources, the argument began at Byculla station and continued all the way to Mulund. Railway staff, though alerted, were unable to reach the complainant due to the overwhelming crowd in the women's compartment.

A video of the heated exchange shows multiple women involved in the dispute. What initially appeared to be a regular commuter quarrel escalated when one woman reportedly lashed out at another for speaking Hindi instead of Marathi, stating, “This is Mumbai. If you want to live here, speak Marathi or get out.” The statement sparked outrage among fellow passengers, with several joining in and expressing differing opinions on linguistic identity and inclusivity.

Officials from Central Railway clarified that the matter is personal and has no connection to train operations. “This is a social issue stemming from language-based friction, not a service complaint,” a senior railway officer said.

No formal complaint has been lodged so far, but the episode has reignited the ongoing debate on regional language imposition and the cultural melting pot that is Mumbai.