Amid rising tensions over the Marathi language in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday firmly stated that acts of violence in the name of language will not be tolerated. Addressing the media, Fadnavis emphasized that while taking pride in Marathi is acceptable, resorting to aggression or intimidation over language is unacceptable.
“Being proud of Marathi is not wrong, but hooliganism in its name will not be allowed. If anyone tries to incite violence over language issues, strict action will follow,” Fadnavis asserted.
His comments come just days after a disturbing incident in Bhayander (Thane), where a group of men wearing scarves of the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) physically assaulted a food stall owner for not speaking Marathi.
The victim, Babulal Khimaji Chaudhary, was reportedly attacked after asking whether there was a government rule mandating the use of Marathi. The attackers, enraged by his response—“All languages are spoken in Maharashtra”—slapped and punched him, issuing threats like: “If you don’t know Marathi, don’t live in Maharashtra. If you don’t speak Marathi, we will beat you, burn down your shop, and drive you away.”
Following widespread outrage, the police filed an FIR and initiated action against those involved.
Commenting on the case, CM Fadnavis said, “An FIR has been registered and action is being taken. Going forward, if anyone tries to create conflict over language, legal measures will be enforced. We respect Marathi, but no language spoken in India should be treated unjustly. This is something we must always remember.”
He also took a jibe at the selective outrage of some individuals. “Sometimes, I’m shocked—these same people embrace English but create conflicts over Hindi. What sort of mindset is that? Taking the law into one’s own hands will invite strict punishment,” he warned.
