Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Tuesday strongly criticised Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray following reports of vandalism and violence by MNS workers in Maharashtra, amid renewed tensions over the Hindi-Marathi language divide.
Referring to a 2007 incident involving an MNS-led attack on a student from Bihar, cited in a Wikileaks report, Dubey alleged that “hooliganism” has become the central tactic of Raj Thackeray, particularly in the run-up to civic elections.
The BJP MP claimed the MNS leader was instigating violence out of fear of losing the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
“When Raj Thackeray fails to get public support, he sends his goons forward. Hooliganism is his only agenda, which he repeats ahead of elections in Mumbai out of the fear of defeat,” Dubey said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He further remarked, “My opposition is to Thackeray’s hooliganism. The limits of tolerance have been crossed.”
Dubey also clarified that his remarks were not aimed at the Marathi-speaking population or the Maratha community. He expressed admiration for the Marathas and highlighted their contributions to Indian politics and the city of Mumbai.
“The Maratha community is always respectable. The country belongs to all of us. Where I serve as MP, Maratha Madhulimaye ji served three consecutive terms. We once defeated Indira Gandhi by fielding a Maratha candidate. Thackeray should stop projecting this as a battle for the Maratha identity. We have contributed to Mumbai’s growth and will continue to do so,” Dubey added.
His comments followed the arrest of five MNS workers in connection with the ransacking of entrepreneur Sushil Kedia’s office in Worli, Mumbai. According to Mumbai Police, the accused have been charged under Sections 223, 189(2), 189(3), 190, 191(2), 191(3), and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The incident has further fuelled tensions, especially after Raj Thackeray’s alleged instructions to party members: “beat but don’t make a video.” Dubey responded fiercely, questioning Thackeray’s selective targeting.
“If you dare to attack Hindi speakers, then target those who speak Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu too. If you're such a boss, come out of Maharashtra—come to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. ‘Tumko patak patak ke maarenge’ (We will thrash you repeatedly),” Dubey said.
Reacting to Dubey’s statement, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the BJP MP of harbouring disdain for the Marathi language and identity.
“Nishikant Dubey is not a representative of Hindi speakers. His hatred for Marathi culture is clear. He has the responsibility of Bihar—go there and try to win. This is your usual divide-and-rule tactic,” Aaditya said.
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