Marathi Language Row: Thackeray Supporters Thrash Auto Driver Over “Hindi Bolunga” Remark
Image Source: NewsDrum
In a shocking incident in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, supporters of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) assaulted a migrant auto-rickshaw driver over a viral video involving a dispute about speaking Marathi.
The Incident
- The trouble began when the auto driver, a migrant, insisted on speaking Hindi (“Main Hindi bolunga”) when questioned by Bhavesh Padolia, a migrant from Uttar Pradesh, about not using Marathi in public.
- Days later, on Saturday, the driver was tracked down and confronted near Virar station by Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS supporters.
- Violent Confrontation: The driver was slapped multiple times, including by women from the groups, and forced to publicly apologize to Padolia, his sister, and the people of Maharashtra for allegedly insulting the Marathi language and culture.
Reactions and Investigation
- Uday Jadhav, Virar city chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), justified the assault, stating, “If anyone dares to insult the Marathi language, Maharashtra, or Marathi people, they will get a reply in the true Shiv Sena style.”
- Despite the public nature of the assault, Palghar district police have yet to register an official complaint, stating they’re verifying facts based on the viral video.
Context of Language Tensions in Maharashtra
- This incident is part of ongoing language-related tensions in Maharashtra, with similar cases reported in Thane where MNS workers took action against individuals for not speaking Marathi.
Team Profile
- Freelance Journalist
- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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