Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has urged party workers not to assault people for failing to speak Marathi, amid a heated language controversy in the state.
His comments came during a rare public appearance alongside his estranged cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai.
The event, held in Worli, was organised to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s decision to roll back its contentious order mandating Hindi as a third language in primary schools.
The directive, issued in April, had drawn widespread criticism from opposition parties and language rights activists. Following the backlash, the government revoked the policy.
Addressing MNS supporters, Raj Thackeray called for a more measured approach in promoting the use of Marathi. “Whether it's Gujaratis or others living here, they must learn Marathi. But there’s no need to beat them if they don’t speak the language,” he said.
However, in a controversial remark, he added, “If someone creates unnecessary drama, hit them below the eardrums.”
He further advised workers not to record such incidents. “If you beat someone, don’t make a video. Let the person himself say he was beaten. There’s no need for you to publicise it.”
The remarks have stirred further debate, particularly amid longstanding tensions over linguistic identity and cultural pride in Maharashtra. MNS has often been criticised for its aggressive stance on promoting Marathi and targeting non-Marathi speakers in the state.
Raj Thackeray also attempted to dispel the notion that learning in English-medium schools diminished one’s Marathi identity. Citing examples of political leaders, he said, “Dada Bhuse studied in Marathi and became a minister. Devendra Fadnavis studied in English and became Chief Minister. So what?”
He continued, “My father Shrikant Thackeray and uncle Balasaheb Thackeray studied in English-medium schools. Can anyone question their love for Marathi?
Tomorrow, I will learn Hebrew too. Does that mean I am less proud of Marathi?”
The event also marked a political milestone, as Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared a stage for the first time in two decades.
Uddhav declared the reunion a sign of long-term unity and hinted at a joint strategy to regain power in Mumbai’s civic body and in Maharashtra.
“We have come together to stay united and win power in both the BMC and the state,” said Uddhav Thackeray.
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