Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray has responded strongly to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s comments regarding violence against Hindi speakers in Maharashtra. Dubey’s statement, “Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge” (We will beat up Marathi people here), elicited an immediate and forceful reaction.
Thackeray stated in response, “A BJP MP said, ‘Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge’…You come to Mumbai. Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge” (We will drown you in the sea of Mumbai), reflecting the escalating tensions over language.
At a public gathering in Mumbai, Thackeray stated, “I have not come here to stoke any controversy over language. Beware, anything can happen with you. I am a Hindu but Hindi cannot be imposed on me. If anyone has a right over this region, it is we (Marathis). You are the sons of Maharashtra, others have come from outside. If someone comes here and does something a little too much, then beat them up.”
Nishikant Dubey, when questioned, chose to stand by his original statement. He affirmed, “I am saying this again, I stand by my statements. This nation is diverse, and all its people have a strong affection for their region…If Maharashtra is a part of this country, then anyone can be settled anywhere in this country…But they beat up those who are Hindi language speakers…Even today, only 31-32% Marathi speakers live in Mumbai…I accept that Maharashtra has a huge contribution to the economy, I have huge respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”