Marathi-Hindi Row Erupts Again in Mumbai as Migrant Woman Refuses to Speak Marathi; VIDEO
Marathi-Hindi Row Erupts Again in Mumbai as Migrant Woman Refuses to Speak Marathi; VIDEO
Ghatkopar woman confronted by group insisting on use of Marathi; incident caught on video
A woman in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, was confronted and verbally harassed by a group of men demanding she speak in Marathi, reigniting concerns over linguistic intolerance in the state. The confrontation, partially captured on camera, has since gone viral and triggered a fresh wave of debate on language politics in Maharashtra.
मुंबई के घाटकोपर इलाके में एक बार फिर मराठी और गैर मराठी आमने सामने.।
— Vivek Gupta (@imvivekgupta) July 20, 2025
महिला को मराठी नहीं थी, और मराठी लोग उस पर मराठी बोलने का दबाव डाल रहे थे.
जिसके बाद महिला भी काफी गुस्से में आई और बोली वो हिंदी में ही बोलेगी, यह हिंदुस्तान है. pic.twitter.com/NhtCLShJE4
The woman, identified as Sanjira Devi, told reporters she was standing near her residence when a group of local men blocked her path. When she asked them to step aside, the group allegedly insisted she speak in Marathi. Refusing to comply, she was met with hostility.
In the video, one man is seen pointing his finger aggressively at her and yelling, “Speak in Marathi. This is Maharashtra. Go away from here.” The confrontation soon attracted a crowd, and the situation escalated to the point where the police were called. However, by the time officers arrived, the group had dispersed.
Sanjira Devi said, “I was just asking them to move so I could pass. I didn’t expect such aggression just because I spoke in Hindi. I’ve lived in Mumbai for years.”
While police have yet to confirm if a formal complaint was filed, the incident has drawn reactions across political and public spheres. Social media users expressed concern over rising linguistic vigilantism, calling for stronger action against such behaviour.
The timing of the incident has further heightened political sensitivity, coming just days after the high-profile political reunion of cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray on July 5, after more than two decades. The two leaders have historically held strong views on promoting the Marathi language and culture in the state.
Authorities are reviewing the video footage and said any necessary legal action will be taken based on the findings. The case continues to stir conversations around inclusivity, regional identity, and civic behaviour in cosmopolitan Mumbai.
