‘Dubo Dubo Ke’ vs ‘Patak Patak Ke’: Raj Thackeray Fires Back at BJP MP Amid Language Politics in Maharashtra
‘Dubo Dubo Ke’ vs ‘Patak Patak Ke’: Raj Thackeray Fires Back at BJP MP Amid Language Politics in Maharashtra
Language Row: MNS chief warns BJP MP Nishikant Dubey after controversial anti-Marathi remark, vows to protect regional identity
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a sharp response to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s controversial comment allegedly threatening Marathi people with the words “patak patak ke maarenge.” Addressing a crowd in Mira Bhayandar, Thackeray retorted, “Tum Mumbai mein aajao, Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge”, a warning that has added heat to the ongoing Marathi versus Hindi row.
The language issue has ignited strong sentiments in the state, with Thackeray asserting that he will never tolerate disrespect towards Marathi language or the people of Maharashtra. “Those living in Maharashtra must learn and speak Marathi. I won’t compromise on this,” he stated firmly.
He drew comparisons with Karnataka, where he said even auto-rickshaw drivers are backed by the government when asserting their linguistic identity. “In Maharashtra too, Marathi must be spoken with pride. Be like a pillar, unshakeable,” Thackeray urged.
The remarks came amidst backlash over the Maharashtra government’s alleged consideration of making Hindi mandatory from Class 1 in primary schools. The move saw widespread protest, leading to the withdrawal of two controversial orders. While Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later clarified that a three-language formula would be followed and the final decision would lie with a committee, Thackeray remained unconvinced.
“If they force Hindi from Class 1 to 5, we will not hesitate to shut down schools. We did the same with shops earlier,” he warned.
Thackeray also accused certain Gujarati business groups of attempting to create a rift between Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra, claiming that the push for Hindi was part of a larger plan to shift Mumbai’s economic power to Gujarat.
Despite his hardline stance, Thackeray made it clear that his objection was not to the Hindi language itself. “I speak better Hindi than many politicians here. My father was fluent in Hindi. I am not against any language, but I will oppose the imposition of any language over Marathi.”
The fiery exchange has further intensified the linguistic identity debate in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, where language pride continues to be a sensitive and politically charged issue.
