Fadnavis, who also holds the home department portfolio, warned of stern action against those who assault others over language. “We respect Marathi, and the local language should be respected. But that doesn’t mean those who don’t speak the language should be beaten up,” he said
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrives for the Monsoon session of the state Assembly, at Vidhan Bhavan, on Friday. Pic/PTI
The Maharashtra government has warned of strict action against anyone resorting to violence, manhandling, or hooliganism under the guise of language pride.
Days after an incident in Mira Road, where Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers slapped a shopkeeper for refusing to speak in Marathi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday expressed strong disapproval.
Commenting on the matter, Fadnavis said, “Neighbouring states are not Pakistan. I can understand anger against Pakistan, but that should not extend to our neighbours.”
Fadnavis, who also holds the home department portfolio, warned of stern action against those who assault others over language. “We respect Marathi, and the local language should be respected. But that doesn’t mean those who don’t speak the language should be beaten up,” he said.
Referring to the Mira Road incident — now dubbed ‘slapgate’ — Fadnavis said that police have booked the accused and that action has been initiated against the party workers involved.
“Our government will not tolerate such hooliganism,” he said firmly.
Marathi people support us, says Devendra Fadnavis
When asked about the July 5 Marathi Vijay Diwas rally organised by both the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT), Fadnavis said the Thackeray cousins — Raj and Uddhav — are not the sole representatives of Marathi identity.
“We are also Marathi. We received 51 per cent of the vote share, a large portion of which came from Marathi-speaking citizens. Marathi people support us and will continue to do so,” he asserted.
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