In a shocking incident, workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) allegedly vandalised the Mumbai office of renowned stock market expert Sushil Kedia on Saturday, July 5, 2025. The attack followed Kedia’s controversial X post on July 3, 2025, where he stated, “Do note @RajThackeray I don’t know Marathi properly even after living for 30 years in Mumbai & with your gross misconduct I have made it a resolve that until such people as you are allowed to pretend to be taking care of Marathi Manus I take pratigya I won’t learn Marathi. Kya karna hai bol?” This statement, directly tagging MNS chief Raj Thackeray, was perceived as an insult to Marathi culture, sparking outrage among MNS supporters.

What Sparked the Controversy

Kedia’s post drew sharp criticism for its provocative tone, leading to MNS workers storming his Mumbai office and causing significant damage. Videos of the vandalism circulating on social media have intensified public debate. The incident has reignited tensions over linguistic pride in Maharashtra, with Kedia’s refusal to learn Marathi seen as a direct challenge to regional identity.

Response from Authorities and Kedia

Mumbai Police, tagged in Kedia’s original post, confirmed they contacted him after the incident. While the police detained the involved MNS workers and issued notices, no arrests have been reported. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the vandalism, stating, “If someone indulges in hooliganism due to language, we will not tolerate it.”  

In response, Kedia posted on X, “Shri @RajThackeray threatening me by 100s of your workers is not going to make me a fluent Marathi speaker. Love, not threat, makes people get assimilated together,” emphasizing that violence would not change his stance.

Broader Context: Marathi Language Row

 This incident follows a pattern of language-related conflicts in Maharashtra. Recently, MNS workers were filmed assaulting a shopkeeper in Mumbai’s Mira Road for allegedly refusing to speak Marathi, prompting protests and shop closures in the area. Raj Thackeray, addressing the broader controversy, clarified that MNS does not enforce Marathi on non-speakers, citing the Maratha Empire’s history of linguistic inclusivity. However, the actions of MNS workers have drawn widespread criticism.

Public Reaction and What’s Next

The vandalism has sparked polarized reactions. Some support Kedia’s right to free speech, while others view his post as needlessly provocative. Posts on X reflect divided sentiments, condemning the violence but questioning Kedia’s approach. As the situation develops, attention is on how authorities and MNS leadership will respond.

Stay tuned to Masala Mirror for updates on this story.