'They Embrace English, But Cause Disputes Over Hindi': CM Fadnavis Slams MNS Over Marathi ‘Slapgate’ Row

Fadnavis slammed MNS over the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers in Mumbai over not speaking in Marathi, warning that hooliganism in the name of the language's pride will not be accepted.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis slammed the MNS over Marathi 'slapgate' row in Mumbai, warning of strict action against those involved in the assault.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday asserted that though Marathi should be respected, but hooliganism in the name of its pride will not be tolerated. The CM made these remarks as he slammed Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) over the recent incident of assault of a shopkeeper, who was targeted for not speaking in Marathi.

Taking a stand against the incident, Fadnavis said that the same people embrace English, but create disputes over speaking in Hindi. He also warned of strict legal action against those who indulge in violence in the name of language. 

"It is not wrong to be proud of the Marathi language in Maharashtra. But if someone indulges in hooliganism due to language, we will not tolerate it. If someone beats up people on the basis of language, this will not be tolerated. The police have filed an FIR and taken action on the incident, and if anyone creates such a language dispute in future, legal action will be taken," he said.

"We are proud of our Marathi, but injustice cannot be done to any language of India in this manner; we will have to keep this in mind," the BJP leader stressed.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "It is not wrong to be proud of the Marathi language in Maharashtra. But if someone indulges in hooliganism due to language, we will not tolerate it. If someone beats up people on the basis of language, this will not be… pic.twitter.com/9mZBiXfcm9

— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

Seven workers of the MNS assaulted a 48-year-old shopkeeper in Mira Road near Mumbai after he and his staff member spoke to them in Hindi. The 'Jodhpur Sweet Shop' owner was then warned that he would not be allowed to do business in the area, when he told the MNS workers that all languages are spoken in the state, and began slapping him. 

Fadnavis further questioned the thinking of the people involved in the assault, warning if strict action again. "And sometimes I am surprised that these people embrace English and create disputes over Hindi. What kind of thinking is this and what kind of action is this? Therefore, strict action will be taken against those who take the law into their own hands," he said.

The MNS workers even filmed the brutal attack and shared it online, the video of which went viral. They were later detained on July 3, but released within a few hours. The assault took place late Sunday.