Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday condemned the use of violence in the name of language, warning that hooliganism under the guise of Marathi pride will not be tolerated.His remarks came two days after a shopkeeper in Mira Road near Mumbai was allegedly assaulted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers for questioning why speaking in Marathi should be compulsory. The 48-year-old shopkeeper, Babulal Chaudhary, was attacked by seven men after he pointed out that Maharashtra is home to multiple languages. The group allegedly slapped him repeatedly and warned him against continuing his business in the area.“If you don’t know Marathi, don’t live in Maharashtra. If you don’t speak in Marathi, we will beat everyone and drive them away, and we will break and burn down your shop,” they allegedly said.While the MNS defended the accused, claiming the shopkeeper had insulted the Marathi language, and junior Home Minister Yogesh Kadam also indicated support by stating that action should be taken against those who disrespect Marathi, the Chief Minister’s response was more measured.Fadnavis said at a press conference, “It is not wrong to be proud of the Marathi language in Maharashtra. But if someone indulges in hooliganism in the name of language, we will not tolerate it. If someone beats up people on the basis of language, this will not be tolerated.”Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, confirmed that the police had filed an FIR and taken immediate action in the case. He added that legal action would be taken in the future against anyone creating language-based disputes.
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