CM Fadnavis on Marathi row: ‘Won’t tolerate hooliganism in the name of language’ — Watch video
CM Fadnavis on Marathi row: 'Won’t tolerate hooliganism in the name of language' — Watch video
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday condemned acts of violence carried out in the name of language, saying that while it is natural to feel proud of Marathi, hooliganism cannot be justified.
“Having pride in the Marathi language is not wrong, but if someone engages in hooliganism in its name, we will not tolerate it,” Fadnavis told reporters. “If anyone resorts to violence based on language, strict action will be taken.”
His remarks follow an incident in Thane’s Bhayander area, where a group of men wearing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) scarves allegedly thrashed a food stall owner, Babulal Khimaji Chaudhary, for not speaking Marathi. The attackers threatened to beat and drive out anyone who didn’t speak Marathi and vandalize shops.
Chaudhary, who questioned whether there was any government rule mandating the use of Marathi, was reportedly punched and slapped after responding that “all languages” are spoken in Maharashtra.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation across the state.
Fadnavis confirmed that police have registered an FIR and taken action against the accused. “We are proud of Marathi, but we must remember that no injustice should be done to any Indian language,” he said.
He also criticized the hypocrisy of those who embrace English but target other Indian languages, stressing that the government will act firmly against anyone taking the law into their own hands.
