Mumbai Viral News: A security guard in Mumbai’s Powai area was allegedly assaulted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers for not speaking Marathi. A video of the incident, which has surfaced on social media, shows MNS members slapping the guard while onlookers attempt to intervene. Later in the video, the guard is seen apologising with folded hands.
The reason behind the altercation remains unclear. However, as per a report by NDTV Marathi, the security guard explained that he was unable to speak the language as he was from North India.
This incident is part of a series of similar cases reported over the past month, where MNS workers have confronted people over their inability to speak Marathi. In March, an employee of a D-Mart store in Versova was allegedly attacked by MNS members following a language-related dispute. The situation escalated when the employee reportedly stated, “I will not speak in Marathi. I will speak only in Hindi. Do what you want to do.”
Raj Thackeray Defends Party's Stand On Marathi Language
Amid rising concerns over such incidents, MNS chief Raj Thackeray reaffirmed his party’s stance on the Marathi language during a rally at Shivaji Park. He stated that those living in Mumbai must respect the local language and warned that people refusing to do so would face consequences.
“In our Mumbai, people say they cannot speak Marathi… they will get a slap on the face. Every state has its own language, and it must be respected. In Mumbai, Marathi should be given its due respect,” said Thackeray.
He further instructed MNS workers to monitor banks and businesses across the city to ensure the use of Marathi. Drawing comparisons with other states, Thackeray pointed out that Tamil Nadu had successfully opposed the use of Hindi, urging similar measures in Maharashtra.