2 days ago
They appreciate English, act against Hindi: Devendra Fadnavis on Marathi violence
Maharastra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sent out a strong message after a Thane shopkeeper was assaulted by Raj Thakeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers a few days back. The shopkeeper had allegedly refused to speak in Marathi, following which MNS supporters rained blows on him."I want to be very clear. Taking pride in Marathi and assaulting people are different. If someone tries to assault people speaking other languages, the police will take action. Action has already been taken in this incident," said am surprised that these people appreciate English and act against Hindi," he added.
A video was caught on camera on July 1 showing three men entering a sweets shop and confronting the owner over his questioned about not using Marathi, the shopkeeper tried to explain, saying, "I didn't know Marathi was compulsory. Someone will have to teach me." One of the men warned him, "Maar khayega?" (Do you want to get beaten?), before the conversation workers then demanded to know what state he was working in. "Maharashtra," the shopkeeper replied. "What language is spoken in Maharashtra?" one of the workers asked. "All languages are spoken here," the shopkeeper responded - a remark that appeared to provoke the seconds, two men began slapping him - one of them striking him multiple times, including with the back of his hand, as the shopkeeper struggled to respond. Another man could be heard hurling abuse and warning him he wouldn't be allowed to run a business in the Rane, the MNS's Mira-Bhayander district president, defended the action, saying, "If anyone insults the Marathi language, MNS will respond in this manner. In Maharashtra, only Marathi is allowed, and you will have to follow Marathi culture, even if you're Gujarati or Marwari."- Ends
