Mumbai: India is increasingly facing scrutiny over a perceived rise in intolerance, particularly under the current government, where individuals are reportedly becoming victims of linguistic biases. A recent incident in Maharashtra has brought these concerns to the forefront, sparking widespread debate and drawing strong reactions from political figures.
Days after members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) allegedly assaulted a shopkeeper in Thane for not speaking in Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam has come out in support of the party workers. Speaking to the press, Kadam defended their actions, stating, “In Maharashtra, you have to speak Marathi. If anyone disrespects Marathi in Maharashtra, we will enforce our laws.”
The incident, captured in a video that went viral, shows MNS workers confronting a food stall owner. One worker demanded the owner speak in Marathi, and when the owner questioned this, he was subjected to shouting and, according to Indian media reports, slapped by others who joined the confrontation. The victim has been identified as Babulal Khimji Chaudhary, a sweet shop owner in Mira Road, who told police the argument escalated when he explained his staff were from other states and not fluent in Marathi, and then asserted that “all languages are spoken in Maharashtra.” An FIR has been registered against seven unidentified men.
