The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) finds itself at the center of a storm following an incident involving its workers assaulting a shopkeeper in Thane, Maharashtra. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated, shows MNS workers repeatedly slapping the shopkeeper for allegedly not speaking Marathi. This event has sparked outrage and triggered NDTV's "India Against VIP Thugs" campaign, highlighting the broader issue of VIP arrogance and violence against ordinary citizens.
NDTV's campaign aims to address the normalization of violence perpetrated by political thugs and those in positions of power. The campaign asserts that MLAs, ministers, and their associates will not be spared from scrutiny. Shiv Aroor of NDTV has set the agenda to call out the MNS men who assaulted the shopkeeper and the Maharashtra government for its apparent reluctance to take decisive action. The news channel is urging action to deliver justice for the elderly shopkeeper who was attacked.
The incident in Thane is not isolated. NDTV reports several recent cases of VIP violence across India:
These incidents underscore a disturbing trend of VIPs and their associates abusing their power and engaging in violence with impunity.
The MNS has faced criticism for its involvement in the assault case. Despite the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused, reports indicate that no arrests have been made. Adding to the controversy, MNS leaders have appeared unapologetic, with one stating, "If our party chief is criticised, then we will definitely respond".
The incident has also ignited discussions about the role of regional languages in public life. Earlier in April 2025, MNS led a statewide protest advocating for the use of Marathi in banking services. The recent violence has further intensified the debate, raising questions about linguistic chauvinism and the rights of linguistic minorities.
Amidst the criticism, MNS Chief Raj Thackeray has called for a march on July 5 against the "imposition of Hindi". He has positioned the march as a display of Marathi unity and cultural pride, excluding political flags to focus on the Marathi agenda. This call comes amidst ongoing debates about making Hindi compulsory in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray has declared his party's opposition to the three-language formula and any attempts to diminish "Marathi-ness" in the state.
NDTV's "India Against VIP Thugs" campaign has put the spotlight on the MNS and the issue of VIP violence in India. The campaign aims to hold perpetrators accountable and challenge the culture of impunity that enables such acts. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the authorities take decisive action against those involved in the Thane incident and whether broader efforts to address VIP arrogance and abuse of power gain traction.
