Daijiworld Media Network – Kalwa

Kalwa, Oct 11: Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has once again come under scrutiny after a video surfaced showing a middle-aged woman being slapped by a female party worker while apologising, in the presence of several male party members, at Kalwa near Mumbai.

The incident reportedly stemmed from a scuffle at a Mumbai local train station, where commuter Arjun Kate accidentally bumped into a woman passenger. Although he immediately apologised, the woman allegedly verbally abused him and used derogatory language against Marathi people.

Swara Kate, Arjun’s wife and an MNS office-bearer, learned about the incident. Party workers tracked down the woman and brought her to their local office, demanding an apology for both the bump and her remarks. While the woman was apologising, Swara slapped her in front of three male party leaders. The woman’s family, including her daughter, was also present.

The episode, recorded by party leader Vinayak Bitla and shared on Facebook, shows him warning that anyone who insults the Marathi language or people will be taught a lesson. The video has triggered widespread criticism and reignited debate over the party’s aggressive methods in protecting regional identity.