'Understand Marathi Or Get A Slap': Raj Thackeray's New Warning For Non-Locals

MNS chief Raj Thackeray warned non-locals that they would get a "tight slap" if they did not understand Marathi.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray warns non-locals of getting a "tight slap" if they don't understand Marathi.

Source : PTI

The row over speaking Marathi in Maharashtra is unlikely to die down anytime soon, as Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a new warning to non-locals in the state. 

Addressing a rally in Mumbai's Mira Bhayandar, Thackeray said that if someone does not understand Marathi, they will get a "tight slap". 

"Now, if you can't understand Marathi even when it's spoken directly into your ear, you'll get a slap below it. People create a fuss for no reason," Thackeray said, reported India Today. 

Referring to the incident where local traders protested against an assault on a shopkeeper, Thackeray said, "Whatever happened to that person was because of his attitude. Other traders had called for a shutdown. But if someone closes their shop under pressure, understand this: how long will you keep your shop shut? If we stop buying, then what?"

"You have all come here, stay quiet and do your work. But if you fool around here, a slap is guaranteed," he added.

Schools Will Shut If Hindi Is Imposed 

He also took a dig at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and warned that if Hindi were made mandatory for classes 1 to 5 in schools in Maharashtra, then his party would "shut down schools." 

Earlier this month, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Maharashtra withdrew two orders that made Hindi mandatory in primary schools following strong opposition from several organisations and political parties, including the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT).