The language pot is on full boil with Raj’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers allegedly assaulting a shopkeeper who did not speak in Marathi and a huge fallout from the ‘slapgate’. There is a definite edge in Mumbai, with furious political churning
Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal
Mumbai's victory rally will take place today, led by warring but together-for-now cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, days after the BJP-led Mahayuti government did away with two government resolutions (GR) to introduce Hindi as the third language in schools from Std I.
The language pot is on full boil with Raj’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers allegedly assaulting a shopkeeper who did not speak in Marathi and a huge fallout from the ‘slapgate’. There is a definite edge in Mumbai, with furious political churning. Now, BJP leader Nitesh Rane has fanned the flames, asking whether the MNS will dare go to Muslim-majority places in the city and impose Marathi. Lingo-centric posters are seen all over Mumbai.
The row, which has spread to Pune, is resonating beyond Maharashtra. New Delhi Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal has filed a complaint via email against Raj, demanding the imposition of the National Security Act (NSA), marking the Mumbai Police Commissioner. Jindal said a copy has been marked to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as well.
The complaint was filed late on Thursday evening. Two years ago, Jindal was in the spotlight after he had filed a complaint with the Delhi Cyber Police about anti-India tweets by Pakistani cricket commentator Zainab Abbas when she was in the country during the 2023 World Cup.
Here, Jindal speaks about the language row, which is on escalation mode.
Excerpts from an interview…
You live in Delhi. Why have you lodged a complaint about a Mumbai/Maharashtra-centric issue?
As an Indian, safeguarding the unity and integrity of our nation is the responsibility of every individual, regardless of where they reside. While I am based in Delhi, the incidents unfolding in Maharashtra — especially those that threaten national unity — have far-reaching implications for the internal security of the entire country. Social harmony is not confined by geography. When divisive or provocative acts occur anywhere in India, they create a ripple effect, disturbing peace and stability nationwide. That is precisely why I felt compelled to raise this issue, even from Delhi. The recent actions of Raj Thackeray, who is openly provoking Maharashtra Navnirman Sena workers to commit violence against Hindi-speaking citizens, amount to ‘language terrorism.’ Such acts must be condemned and challenged through legal means.
Mumbai is a magnet, drawing people from everywhere to work. A section do though believe and accuse those that come into the city, saying they are not loyal to the state or the city they work in as they do not know the language
That perception is completely false and dangerous. India’s diversity and the constitutional right to freedom of movement allow citizens to work and settle in any part of the country. People relocating for employment or education do not lack respect for local culture. Patriotism and respect for regional identity can coexist. However, forcing individuals to ‘prove’ their loyalty through language or other divisive tactics is unconstitutional and undermines both regional harmony and national unity.
Sir, this language tension exists in other places/states too
Language-related tensions are not unique to Maharashtra. But the current actions by Raj Thackeray and his supporters go far beyond linguistic pride — they amount to ‘language terrorism’, where violence and intimidation are being used to coerce people into using Marathi. Similar issues have surfaced in other states, but the solution lies in embracing linguistic diversity, not weaponising it for political gains. It is the responsibility of political leaders and society to prevent language from becoming a tool for polarisation or violence.
The Hindi/Marathi controversy has been sizzling for a while now
While preserving and promoting regional languages like Marathi is important, it must never result in discrimination against fellow Indians from other parts of the country. Some political parties exploit these controversies to fuel hatred and bitterness. India urgently needs responsible leadership and mature public discourse to put an end to such divisive politics.
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