Amid ongoing language conflict in Maharashtra, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's statement has sparked new political turmoil. Responding to Raj Thackeray's 'Beat but don't make videos' remark, Dubey accused both Raj and Uddhav Thackeray of engaging in 'cheap politics,' questioning what industries they run apart from thriving on 'our earnings.'
Nishikant Dubey openly challenged the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), stating, 'If you are brave enough to attack Hindi speakers, target those who speak Urdu, Tamil, or Telugu as well. If you consider yourself such big bosses, come out of Maharashtra and visit Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, where you'll be thrashed soundly.'
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Fadnavis distances from Dubey's remarks
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted to Dubey's statement, clarifying that 'Nishikant Dubey's remarks were not aimed at the common Marathi populace but at those organizations fanning the flames of controversy.' He acknowledged that Dubey's statement was not entirely appropriate and sparked differing opinions. Nevertheless, he praised the unparalleled contributions of Marathi people who maintained the flame of freedom despite foreign invasions.
Sanjay Raut issues a warning
Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) MP Sanjay Raut fiercely reacted to the statement, saying, 'Who is Dubey? Leaders in Maharashtra who speak Hindi should denounce Dubey. A BJP MP talks lowly of the Marathi and the Fadnavis government remains silent. Eknath Shinde thinks he’s a leader, strokes his beard. Let Shinde refute Dubey's comments, shave his beard himself, or we will do it. If you are a man, resign.'
Congress targets as well
Congress leader Nana Patole declared, 'They have no right to insult Maharashtra and Marathi people. Although they run their own government, will BJP create separate narratives in each state? Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj rendered justice to every religion and caste. We won’t tolerate attacks on Maharashtra.'
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Dissent within BJP
BJP Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar asserted in the assembly, 'Clarification is needed on an issue. I won't name him. He is an MP from Jharkhand. Everyone within the legal ambit can express their views. No one should question the capabilities of Marathi people; the entire nation knows Maharashtra's significant contribution to GDP. If statistics are needed, we'll provide them.'
Shinde faction expresses objections
Shinde faction minister Yogesh Kadam said, 'Such arrogance will not work. We won't tolerate such statements. He may be a four-time MP, but such remarks are unbecoming.'
Open challenge by Nirahua
Amid the language debate, BJP MP Dinesh Lal Yadav declared, 'This should not happen anywhere in the country. Our nation is diverse in languages and cultures, yet believes in unity. Those engaging in cheap politics need to be cautious. I don't speak Marathi but openly challenge – if you have the guts, throw me out of Maharashtra.'
Kadam responded to Nirahua's remarks, saying, 'While Marathi is prioritized in Maharashtra, no other language is disrespected.' On Nirahua's comments, he said, 'Our Shiv Sainiks will indeed intervene if needed. If they don’t have Nirahua's address, we’ll provide it.'
