'Won't Tolerate Hooliganism In The Name Of Language', Says Maharashtra CM Fadnavis After MNS Workers Assault Non-Marathi Shopkeeper

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday (4 July) said that those indulging in hooliganism in the name of language in the state will not be spared, reported NDTV.

He made remarks while responding to the assault of a shopkeeper by workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

The incident involved 48-year-old Babulal Chaudhary, who owns the ‘Jodhpur Sweet Shop’ in Mira Road near Mumbai.

He was allegedly attacked by seven members of the Raj Thackeray-led MNS after he questioned why speaking in Marathi should be made compulsory.

The confrontation escalated when Chaudhary reportedly stated that all languages are spoken in Maharashtra.

In response, the men allegedly slapped him and warned he would not be allowed to continue business in the area.

The MNS, known for its strong emphasis on Marathi pride, defended the accused individuals.

Party members claimed they reacted because the shopkeeper had insulted the Marathi language.

The incident has also drawn indirect support from Maharashtra’s junior Home Minister Yogesh Kadam, who stated that action would be taken against anyone showing disrespect to Marathi.

Despite these justifications, Chief Minister Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio in the state, firmly denounced the attack.

Addressing the media at a press conference on Friday (4 July), he emphasised that “hooliganism” under the guise of language pride would not be tolerated by the government.

"An FIR was registered immediately after the Mira Road incident. We will not spare anyone who does hooliganism in the name of language and strict action will be taken. Everyone should take pride in their language, but no one should indulge in hooliganism," the Chief Minister was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Slamming MNS, he said, "They think only they are Marathi. But that is not correct. We are Marathi too... Marathi people back us and will stay with us."

The CM minister pointed out that many Marathi-speaking people also work and conduct business outside the state, and something similar could happen to them if such hooliganism is allowed.

"Shouldn't businessmen conduct business? If a Marathi businessman goes to Assam and takes time to learn the language, should he be assaulted? If you are proud of Marathi, study it, teach it and celebrate the language," Mr Fadnavis said.