July 5, 2025 | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Masala Mirror News Desk

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has once again ignited a fiery debate in Maharashtra with its aggressive push for Marathi language pride. Recent incidents of violence and vandalism by MNS workers, targeting non-Marathi speakers, have raised questions about whether the party is genuinely championing the cause of Marathi identity or merely leveraging it for political mileage ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in 2025.

The Marathi Language Row: A Flashpoint in Maharashtra Politics

The controversy erupted when MNS workers allegedly assaulted a shopkeeper in Thane’s Mira Road for not speaking Marathi, followed by the vandalism of businessman Sushil Kedia’s office in Mumbai after he publicly refused to learn the language. Kedia’s provocative social media post, where he challenged Raj Thackeray and declared he would not learn Marathi after 30 years in Mumbai, triggered a violent response from MNS supporters. These incidents have drawn widespread condemnation, with critics accusing the MNS of resorting to “language-based hooliganism” to stay relevant in Maharashtra’s competitive political landscape.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has condemned the violence, stating, “Pride in Marathi does not give individuals the license to force, intimidate, or physically assault those who do not speak Marathi.” Similarly, BJP leader Nitesh Rane questioned the MNS’s selective targeting, asking why the party does not confront non-Marathi speakers in Muslim-dominated areas or high-profile figures like Aamir Khan and Javed Akhtar.

MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT): A Strategic Alliance for Marathi Votes?

Adding fuel to the fire, Raj Thackeray joined hands with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) for a rare public appearance at the “Awaj Marathicha” rally in Mumbai’s Worli on July 5, 2025. The rally celebrated the rollback of a controversial three-language policy that would have made Hindi a compulsory third language in Marathi and English medium schools. Both leaders framed the policy as a threat to Maharashtra’s cultural identity, positioning themselves as defenders of the “Marathi Manoos” (sons of the soil).

Political analysts suggest this reunion, after 20 years of rivalry, is a calculated move to consolidate the Marathi vote bank ahead of the BMC elections. “The MNS has been hogging the limelight as a crusader against Hindi imposition,” noted one analyst, while Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT) is also vying for the same electorate. The joint rally, devoid of party symbols to avoid one-upmanship, signals a potential alliance to challenge the ruling Mahayuti coalition.

Violence as a Political Tool?

The MNS’s recent actions have drawn sharp criticism for promoting a culture of intimidation. In December 2024, MNS workers slapped a shopkeeper in Girgaon for allegedly asking a woman to speak Marwari instead of Marathi. Raj Thackeray’s remarks at a Gudi Padwa rally earlier this year, where he encouraged slapping those who refuse to speak Marathi, have further emboldened such acts. His latest statement, advising workers to “beat but not film” such incidents, has sparked outrage, with many calling it an endorsement of violence for political gain.

On social media, sentiments echo the skepticism. One X user remarked, “The ‘Marathi bola’ campaign by MNS and SS (UBT) is just a political gimmick to stay relevant as they face electoral irrelevance.” The MNS’s zero seats in the 2024 assembly elections underscore its struggle to maintain a foothold, making the language issue a convenient tool to rally support.

The Demographic Context: Why Marathi Remains a Flashpoint

Mumbai’s evolving linguistic landscape adds complexity to the debate. Census data highlights a growing population of native Hindi speakers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar increasing significantly over decades. While Marathi speakers remain the largest linguistic group, the demographic shift has fueled nativist sentiments, which parties like MNS and Shiv Sena have historically exploited.

However, critics argue that the MNS’s aggressive tactics alienate more than they unite. “Maharashtrians deserve a regional party that goes beyond hooliganism and thuggery in the name of Marathi pride,” an editorial in The Indian Express noted, pointing to the failure of both MNS and Shiv Sena to build a broader, inclusive political platform.

What Lies Ahead for MNS and Maharashtra Politics?

As the BMC elections approach, the MNS’s Marathi plank may resonate with a section of voters, but its reliance on violence risks alienating others. The party’s history of electoral losses and its current strategy of “gundagardi” (hooliganism) for visibility could backfire. Meanwhile, the Thackeray cousins’ newfound unity raises questions about a potential MNS-Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance, which could reshape Mumbai’s political dynamics.

For now, the Marathi language row remains a double-edged sword—stoking regional pride while exposing the MNS’s desperation for relevance. As Maharashtra navigates this cultural and political storm, the question remains: Will the Marathi cause unite voters, or will it deepen divisions in an already polarized state?

Stay tuned to Masala Mirror for the latest updates on Maharashtra politics and the BMC elections 2025. Share your thoughts on the Marathi language controversy in the comments below!

Keywords: MNS, Marathi language, Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena, BMC elections 2025, Maharashtra politics, language controversy, Marathi Manoos, Mumbai news