The language row between Hindi and Marathi in Maharashtra is intensifying. There have been sporadic incidents of beatings over not speaking Marathi. Recently, in Mumbai, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers attempted to force a shopkeeper to speak in Marathi. When he refused, they beat him, and the video went viral on social media, sparking a political storm.
Today, Aaj Tak had an exclusive interaction with Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane to understand his view on this escalating issue.
In the conversation with Aaj Tak, Nitesh Rane asserted that the guilty will be punished. Those who dared to harm Hindus will face actions from our government and will be penalized. Criticizing the Thackeray brothers, he said that their followers attacked poor Hindus under the guise of language. He dared the Thackeray brothers to ask Muslims to recite the call to prayer (Azaan) in Marathi.
He challenged, "If they have the guts, they should go to Null Bazaar, Bhendi Bazaar, Mohammed Ali Road, and Bamboo Market and enforce Marathi there. No one speaks in Marathi there, only in Urdu."
He further added, "No one goes to Mumbra and demands only Marathi conversation. Mumbra is not in Pakistan; it's in Maharashtra. No one asks Javed Akhtar to recite poetry in Marathi on stage. Everyone remains silent then. So why target Hindus? Why are poor Hindus beaten while these people are let loose?"
Related: 'I won't learn Marathi, what will you do...' Veteran investor Sushil Kedia wades into the language debate.
Nitesh mentioned that the people of Maharashtra disapprove of the attacks on Hindus. Everyone is speaking out against it. The Marathi community itself opposes such actions. He accused some of trying to fragment the Hindu nation, aligning with organizations like Ghazwa-e-Hind, PSI, and other terrorist groups aiming to transform our country into an Islamic state. He accused the self-proclaimed 'torchbearers' of Marathi of working against the Hindu nation. He emphasized that this government is formed by Hindus and is a government of Hindutva ideals, and they will remain vigilant against any such audacity.
It is notable that after the video of the shopkeeper's beating went viral, various business organizations protested. On Thursday, the Mira Road Traders' Association kept shops closed to protest the incident.
