Language Clash Sparks Political Outcry in Maharashtra

A dispute over language between a Marathi-speaking man and a fruit vendor in Thane led to political tensions, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena warning against further insults to Marathi people. The MNS has pledged to take strict action against such incidents, urging the Chief Minister to intervene.

A language dispute in Thane has escalated into a political controversy, as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) announced a zero-tolerance stance towards insults against Marathi speakers. A confrontation between a Marathi-speaking customer and a fruit vendor who couldn't understand Marathi, triggered the incident, drawing a crowd.

MNS leader Avinash Jadhav addressed the media, citing a recent rise in verbal assaults on Marathi people that have been witnessed in areas like Kalyan, Virar, and Mumbai, in addition to the recent Thane incident. Jadhav called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to decisively address these issues.

The MNS has vowed strict consequences for any future instances, even planning to directly confront those who partake in such acts. The party emphasized that while law enforcement will manage order, they won't tolerate current practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)