Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Friday responded strongly to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s controversial remarks about Marathi speakers. Thackeray accused Dubey of disrespecting the Marathi community and warned of a sharp response if provoked further.
A recent comment by Dubey — "Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge" — triggered a backlash in Maharashtra. Responding during a public event in Mumbai, Thackeray said, "A BJP MP said, 'Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge'... You come to Mumbai. Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge."
He further urged residents of Maharashtra to take pride in speaking Marathi. "In Karnataka, they fight for their language. Even a rickshaw puller knows that the Government is standing behind him over language. Similarly, you be like a pillar and speak in Marathi only. This is what I have come to request all of you," he added.
He alleged that there were attempts to drive a wedge between Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra. "A few Gujarati businessmen had planned to cause a rift between Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra...They have had their eyes set on Mumbai for years. They are testing us. They are seeing if Maharashtra would oppose the Hindi language being mandated. If we remain mum, Hindi would be the first step; their plan is to take control and send everything to Gujarat," Thackeray claimed.
Dubey added, "I accept that Maharashtra has a huge contribution to the economy, I have huge respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj."
When asked specifically about his "patak, patak ke maarenge" remark, Dubey said, "I am proud that my mother tongue is Hindi. Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are not big laat sahabs. I am an MP, do not take law in my hands. Whenever they go out, whichever state they go, the people of that place will beat them..."
He continued, "If you beat up the poor, they will react one day. It is not only Hindi speakers. They protested against Gujaratis in 1956, then against South Indians, and now they are doing it against Hindi speakers. Their history is such that everyone is angry at them....Unka security vapis leljiye, agar ghar se bahar nikal jaye to main samajh jaun bahut bade sher hai."
Following the rollback, both Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray held a joint rally to celebrate what they called a victory for Marathi pride.
(Inputs from ANI)
A recent comment by Dubey — "Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge" — triggered a backlash in Maharashtra. Responding during a public event in Mumbai, Thackeray said, "A BJP MP said, 'Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge'... You come to Mumbai. Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge."
No compromise on Marathi pride, says Raj Thackeray
Thackeray made it clear that he would not accept any attack on Marathi language or identity. "I will not make any compromises over Marathi and the people of Maharashtra. Those who live in Maharashtra, to them I would like to say 'learn Marathi as soon as possible, wherever you go, speak Marathi'," he said.He further urged residents of Maharashtra to take pride in speaking Marathi. "In Karnataka, they fight for their language. Even a rickshaw puller knows that the Government is standing behind him over language. Similarly, you be like a pillar and speak in Marathi only. This is what I have come to request all of you," he added.
Criticism of Maharashtra's leadership on language policy
Thackeray also took aim at Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the state's stance on Hindi. "Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had said that they would make Hindi language compulsory (in schools)... Maharashtra CM is fighting for Hindi. Marathi should be made mandatory in all schools. But instead, you are speaking about making Hindi mandatory," he said.He alleged that there were attempts to drive a wedge between Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra. "A few Gujarati businessmen had planned to cause a rift between Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra...They have had their eyes set on Mumbai for years. They are testing us. They are seeing if Maharashtra would oppose the Hindi language being mandated. If we remain mum, Hindi would be the first step; their plan is to take control and send everything to Gujarat," Thackeray claimed.
Nishikant Dubey defends his comments
Earlier in the day, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey defended his statements during an interview with ANI. He said, "I am saying this again, I stand by my statements. This nation is diverse, and all its people have a strong affection for their region...If Maharashtra is a part of this country, then anyone can be settled anywhere in this country...But they beat up those who are Hindi language speakers...Even today, only 31-32% Marathi speakers live in Mumbai."Dubey added, "I accept that Maharashtra has a huge contribution to the economy, I have huge respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj."
When asked specifically about his "patak, patak ke maarenge" remark, Dubey said, "I am proud that my mother tongue is Hindi. Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are not big laat sahabs. I am an MP, do not take law in my hands. Whenever they go out, whichever state they go, the people of that place will beat them..."
He continued, "If you beat up the poor, they will react one day. It is not only Hindi speakers. They protested against Gujaratis in 1956, then against South Indians, and now they are doing it against Hindi speakers. Their history is such that everyone is angry at them....Unka security vapis leljiye, agar ghar se bahar nikal jaye to main samajh jaun bahut bade sher hai."
State withdraws three-language policy
The Maharashtra government recently withdrew government resolutions (GRs) that made Hindi a mandatory third language in primary schools. The move had triggered protests across the state. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis later announced the cancellation of the GRs issued in April and said a new committee would be formed to re-examine the three-language policy.Following the rollback, both Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray held a joint rally to celebrate what they called a victory for Marathi pride.
(Inputs from ANI)
