In the wake of increasing tensions surrounding the Marathi language row, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a strict gag order to his party workers. The directive instructs MNS leaders and members to refrain from speaking to news outlets or posting reaction videos on social media. This comes amidst a series of incidents involving MNS workers and the public, often centered around the use and respect of the Marathi language.
The recent surge in Marathi language activism has seen MNS workers engaging in various forms of protest and, in some instances, violence against those perceived to be disrespecting the language. These actions have sparked outrage and prompted counter-protests, further intensifying the debate. Just hours before the gag order, MNS workers vandalized the Mumbai office of an entrepreneur after he posted on social media that he would not learn Marathi. Stones were also thrown at his property. Another incident involved MNS workers allegedly assaulting a shopkeeper in Mira Road for refusing to speak Marathi. The attackers filmed the incident and shared it online, leading to widespread condemnation and prompting local traders to shut down shops in protest.
Thackeray's instructions also included a cautionary note regarding violent enforcement of language use. While asserting that everyone, regardless of their background, should know Marathi, he advised against physically assaulting individuals for not speaking the language. However, he added a caveat, stating that if someone creates "unnecessary drama," they should be dealt with firmly. He also told party workers, "And don't make videos of such incidents. Let the person who's been beaten come out and speak about it".
The MNS has faced increasing criticism and legal repercussions for the actions of its workers. Several MNS leaders have been detained by Mumbai Police for staging protests andasserting the prominence of Marathi in signage, education, and governance. These protests have been described as an aggressive campaign for linguistic and cultural assertion in the state.
Adding to the MNS's troubles, a video recently surfaced showing the son of an MNS leader verbally abusing a Marathi-speaking woman following a car accident. The individual, allegedly intoxicated, boasted about his father's political connections during the incident. This event drew condemnation from opposition leaders, who questioned the MNS's commitment to Marathi pride.
Despite the controversies, MNS leaders have defended their actions, claiming they will not tolerate any insult to the Marathi language or Marathi-speaking people. One MNS spokesperson stated that while they do not support assault, they will not stand for the disrespect of Marathi. MNS workers have also expressed similar sentiments, posting on social media that those who despise the Marathi language should be "shown their place".
The current climate has seen a rare moment of political unity, with Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray sharing a stage after two decades of estrangement. Uddhav Thackeray hinted at a possible alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. This occurred during a public event celebrating the Maharashtra government's rollback of its Hindi language mandate in schools, a decision that had led to widespread opposition and protests.
