Marathi Activists Demand Use of Local Language Signboards in Maharashtra
In a recent demonstration, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists have forcibly removed Gujarati signboards from hotels along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. This action follows a heated debate over the introduction of Hindi as a mandatory language in primary schools across the state. Local reports reveal that many establishments have responded by covering their Gujarati signage. The protests highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding language use in Maharashtra, particularly in areas close to the Gujarat border. Read on to learn more about the implications of this movement and the reactions from local businesses.
| Jul 25, 2025, 09:28 IST
Protests Erupt Over Language Signage
Activists from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have taken action by forcibly removing signboards written in Gujarati from several hotels located along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in the Thane and Palghar districts.
According to local reports, the Palghar district of Maharashtra borders Gujarat. This protest emerged shortly after a controversy regarding the mandatory introduction of Hindi in the state's primary schools.
Sources indicate that MNS supporters dismantled a signboard in Gujarati outside a hotel near Haloli village. Additionally, many hotels have opted to cover their Gujarati signboards with black cloth.