Maharashtra Minister Emphasizes Mandatory Use of Marathi Amid Controversy

Mandatory Marathi Language in Maharashtra

On Wednesday, Maharashtra's Minister Yogesh Kadam asserted that speaking Marathi is essential in the state, warning that any disrespect towards the language could lead to legal consequences. This statement followed a viral video showing a food stall owner being assaulted for allegedly refusing to converse in Marathi. Kadam told reporters that in Maharashtra, it is imperative to communicate in Marathi. He added that if someone does not know the language, they should not adopt an attitude of refusing to speak it.

Incident Sparks Outrage

The minister condemned the manner in which the incident unfolded, stating that those who attacked the vendor should not have taken the law into their own hands and should have filed a complaint instead. The altercation occurred on Tuesday evening in the Bhayandar area, leading to widespread outrage after the footage circulated online. The video depicted several individuals, some wearing scarves emblazoned with the symbol of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), confronting and assaulting the vendor for not responding in Marathi when asked.

Police Action Taken

During the confrontation, one individual demanded that the stall owner speak in Marathi, to which the vendor responded with a question. This provoked the individual, who began shouting at the stall owner. A police officer reported that others accompanying the angry individual joined in, resulting in the vendor being slapped. Following the vendor's complaint, the Kashmiri police registered a case against the individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, and an investigation is currently underway.

Public Reaction

#WATCH | Mumbai | On a viral video of a shop owner in Thane assaulted for purportedly refusing to speak in Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam says, "In Maharashtra, you have to speak Marathi. If you don't know Marathi, your attitude shouldn't be that you won't speak… pic.twitter.com/kSXV1JekAn

— News Media (@NewsMedia) July 3, 2025