Amid an ongoing dispute over language in Maharashtra, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray has issued strict instructions to party workers, restricting their interactions with the media and warning against personal posts on social media. This directive comes in the wake of a series of incidents involving MNS workers and the broader debate surrounding the "imposition" of Hindi in the state.
Thackeray's message, conveyed through a post on X, explicitly forbids party members from engaging with newspapers, news channels, or any form of digital media. He further stated that even designated MNS spokespersons are not permitted to communicate with the media or express themselves on social media without his express permission.
The language row in Maharashtra has intensified in recent weeks, becoming a significant political flashpoint ahead of upcoming civic polls. The controversy initially stemmed from a government order (GR) that would have introduced Hindi as a third language in primary schools. This decision faced backlash from opposition parties and language advocacy groups, ultimately leading to the government rolling back the mandate.
In early July 2025, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) shared a stage in a rare display of unity after two decades of political estrangement, addressing the controversy surrounding the "imposition" of the Hindi language. At the event, Raj Thackeray responded to criticism directed at MNS workers, advising them against physically assaulting individuals for not speaking Marathi. However, he added a controversial caveat, stating that if someone creates "useless drama," they should be "hit below their eardrums". Furthermore, he advised MNS workers against recording videos of any such incidents.
The MNS has been under scrutiny following several incidents involving its workers allegedly targeting individuals over language-related issues. In one instance, MNS workers vandalized the Mumbai office of an entrepreneur who stated on X that he would not learn Marathi. Another incident involved the alleged assault of a shopkeeper in Mira Road for refusing to speak Marathi, with the attackers filming the incident and sharing it online. This sparked outrage and led to a protest by local traders.
In response to these incidents, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that while taking pride in the Marathi language is acceptable, "hooliganism" in the name of Marathi pride will not be tolerated. He affirmed that the government would take strict action against anyone found engaging in violence or creating disputes based on language.
Amidst this backdrop, MNS workers were recently detained during a rally in Thane's Mira Road, organized to counter a protest by traders against the assault of a food stall owner for not speaking Marathi. According to the state government, the MNS had initially been granted permission for the protest but it was later revoked due to the party's insistence on a specific route.
