Political Tensions Rise Over Marathi Language in Maharashtra
Assault Incident Sparks Language Debate
A recent incident involving a shopkeeper in Mira Road, Maharashtra, has ignited a heated discussion among political figures regarding the Marathi language. The shopkeeper was reportedly attacked by activists from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) after he declined to converse in Marathi.
Footage of the assault quickly spread across social media, leading to mixed reactions. While some expressed outrage over the violence, others, particularly those from the Marathi community, defended the actions, arguing against the imposition of Hindi.
Political leaders in Maharashtra, including various ministers, voiced their opinions, emphasizing the importance of respecting the Marathi language among non-Marathi speakers.
Yogesh Kadam, a minister in Maharashtra, stated, "In Maharashtra, speaking Marathi is essential. If someone is unwilling to do so, they should not adopt a dismissive attitude. Disrespect towards Marathi will not be tolerated, and we will uphold our laws. Those who resorted to violence should have reported the matter instead of taking matters into their own hands."
#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
Aaditya Thackeray, an MLA from Shiv Sena (UBT), remarked, "We aim to ensure that our mother tongue, Marathi, is respected and that no language is imposed upon anyone. We do not condone taking the law into one's own hands, but provocations against Marathi or Maharashtra can lead to serious consequences."
#WATCH | Mumbai | On Hindi language row, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray says, "We want that our mother tongue Marathi is not insulted and no language is forcefully imposed… We don't want anybody to take the law into their hands, but when it is the other way round and… pic.twitter.com/sDx1DlGY7v
— News Media