A shop owner in Bhayander, Thane, became the victim of a violent assault allegedly by a group of men affiliated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday. The assault was reportedly over a language dispute, with the attackers accusing the owner of refusing to speak in Marathi, the official language of the state.

The incident has sparked widespread controversy, coming shortly after the Maharashtra government withdrew its decision on the controversial three-language policy, which had drawn criticism from opposition parties accusing the state of imposing Hindi.

Viral Video Captures MNS Workers’ Attack

A video of the incident, which went viral on social media on Tuesday night, shows the disturbing moment when the group of men entered the shop, allegedly to purchase food. According to the footage, one of the men in the group asked the shop owner, “Which language is spoken in the state?” after the owner conversed with them in Hindi.

The shop owner, reportedly in an attempt to avoid further confrontation, responded by saying, “All languages are spoken here.” This response did not sit well with the man, who became visibly agitated. The situation quickly escalated when the man shouted at the shopkeeper and proceeded to slap him multiple times, with the help of his companions.

FIR Filed and Investigation Launched

Following the assault, the shop owner filed an official complaint with the Kashimira police. As a result, an FIR (First Information Report) was registered against the unidentified assailants under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those related to assault, criminal intimidation, and causing harm.

A police official confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and authorities are working to identify the attackers. The case has garnered widespread attention, and the police have assured the public that swift action will be taken.

MNS’s Stance on Language Politics

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, led by Raj Thackeray, has long been an advocate for the promotion and preservation of the Marathi language in Maharashtra. This incident has once again thrust the MNS’s aggressive stance on Marathi into the spotlight.

The party had previously organized large-scale protests in Mumbai on June 28, 2025, against the Maharashtra government’s proposal to implement a three-language policy in schools, which would make Hindi, English, and Marathi mandatory for students.

Raj Thackeray has made his opposition to the inclusion of Hindi in the state curriculum clear, stating:

“There is no question of making Hindi compulsory. Hindi is not the national language,” Thackeray wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He further asserted, “When such a compulsion was forced upon Maharashtra, we raised our voice and will continue to raise it.”

Thackeray, a strong proponent of Marathi identity, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the growing prominence of Hindi, stating:

The MNS leader’s comments and the actions of his party workers come at a time of heightened tensions over language politics in Maharashtra, with many local political leaders and parties making bold statements regarding the future of Marathi in the state.

The Three-Language Policy Controversy

The three-language policy proposed by the Maharashtra government had recommended that schools teach Hindi, English, and Marathi from an early age. This decision was met with strong backlash from Marathi-speaking groups, particularly MNS supporters, who believe that Marathi should remain the dominant language in the state’s education system and public life.

Opponents of the policy, especially the MNS, have argued that Hindi imposition would undermine the cultural significance of Marathi and weaken the regional identity of Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray and his party have consistently advocated for the protection of the Marathi language and have opposed any move that might promote Hindi over it.

On the other hand, the opposition parties have criticized the Maharashtra government for withdrawing the policy, arguing that it was a necessary step toward promoting linguistic diversity and ensuring the equitable inclusion of all Indian languages in the educational system.

Political Reactions to the Assault

The assault has triggered a wave of political reactions. While some have condemned the MNS workers’ actions, others have pointed fingers at the broader language politics that have created a polarized atmosphere in Maharashtra.

• Opposition Leaders: Various opposition leaders have criticized the Maharashtra government and MNS for fostering an environment where such incidents can occur. They have called for stringent measures to ensure that people can freely speak any language without fear of being targeted.

• Supporters of MNS: On the other hand, MNS supporters have rallied behind the party’s stance, claiming that the assault was an isolated incident, though they continue to demand greater emphasis on the Marathi language.

Implications for Language Politics in Maharashtra

The incident has reignited the debate over language politics in Maharashtra, with many now questioning the role of regional parties like MNS in shaping the state’s linguistic landscape. The clash between promoting Hindi and preserving Marathi is likely to continue as a dominant issue in the state’s political discourse.

This incident could also serve as a reminder to state authorities about the need to address language issues in a manner that does not incite violence or disrupt public harmony. The importance of fostering linguistic tolerance and regional inclusivity will be crucial in maintaining peace and unity in the state.

The assault on the shop owner in Thane has brought the ongoing language dispute in Maharashtra to the forefront once again. With MNS workers accused of physically attacking a shopkeeper for not speaking in Marathi, the incident has raised serious questions about the limits of language politics and its impact on everyday life.

As authorities continue their investigation and the Maharashtra government deals with the fallout from the withdrawal of the three-language policy, it remains to be seen how these incidents will shape the future of language politics in the state.

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