The recent assault of a Mumbai shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi has ignited a significant controversy in Maharashtra, drawing strong condemnation from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The incident, dubbed the "Slapgate" row, involves workers from Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) who assaulted Babulal Chaudhary, a 48-year-old shopkeeper in Mira Road, for having his staff speak in Hindi. The MNS workers filmed the assault and posted it online.
Fadnavis has taken a firm stance against the violence, asserting that "hooliganism" in the name of Marathi will not be tolerated and that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators. He emphasized that while Marathi should be respected, resorting to violence is unacceptable. "An FIR was registered immediately after the Mira Road incident. We will not spare anyone who does hooliganism in the name of language and strict action will be taken," the Chief Minister stated.
The incident sparked outrage, especially given the ongoing debate surrounding language imposition in the state. The MNS has defended the actions of its workers, claiming that the shopkeeper disrespected the Marathi language. Furthermore, Maharashtra's junior Home Minister, Yogesh Kadam, indirectly supported the MNS workers by stating that action should be taken against anyone who disrespects Marathi.
However, Fadnavis clarified that the government does not condone such behavior. "They think only they are Marathi. But that is not correct. We are Marathi too... Marathi people back us and will stay with us," he said, launching an attack on the MNS. He also highlighted the potential repercussions of such actions, noting that many Marathi-speaking individuals work and conduct business outside Maharashtra and could face similar treatment if such behavior is normalized. "Shouldn't businessmen conduct business? If a Marathi businessman goes to Assam and takes time to learn the language, should he be assaulted? If you are proud of Marathi, study it, teach it and celebrate the language," Fadnavis added.
Despite the Chief Minister's strong words, the seven MNS workers initially detained in connection with the assault were released within hours of being detained. According to police sources, they were released on bail bonds because the charges against them were lenient, carrying a maximum punishment of less than seven years. They were charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), including Section 115(2), which deals with "voluntarily causing hurt" and carries a potential 12-month jail term, a fine of up to Rs 10,000, or both. This is a non-cognizable and bailable offense, meaning police cannot arrest a person without a warrant.
The incident has raised concerns about the MNS's tactics and their implications for linguistic harmony in Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray has previously called for the mandatory use of Marathi in banks and other establishments. In the past, MNS workers have been involved in similar incidents, including assaults on bank employees and shopkeepers for not using Marathi.
Fadnavis's strong condemnation of the "Slapgate" incident and his promise of strict action signal a commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting the rights of all residents of Maharashtra, regardless of their linguistic background. The Chief Minister's stance underscores the importance of respecting all languages and cultures and resolving disputes through peaceful and lawful means.
