Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has created a new storm by making a controversial statement on the Marathi language dispute. Sharing the stage with Uddhav Thackeray on 5 July 2025 at the ‘Awaaz Marathacha’ rally in Worli, Mumbai, he advised his workers that if someone does “useless drama” against Marathi, hit him “below the ear”, but do not make a video of it. The statement came a few hours after MNS workers’ office of economist Sushil Kedia’s office, who was angry at Kedia saying that he did not learn Marathi on social media.
Controversial statement
Raj Thackeray said in the rally, “Whether it is Gujarati or someone else, he should come to Marathi. But no one needs to be beaten because of not speaking Marathi. If someone does a useless drama, he should be hit under the ear. But remember one thing – if you beat someone, do not make a video of him, do not make a video. This statement has given rise to sharp reactions in political and social circles.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Raj Thackeray Says, “Be it Gujarati or Anyone Else Here, MUST Know Marathi, but there is no need to beat people for that Someone Shows Useless Drama, You Must Hit Below Their Eardrum. pic.twitter.com/5wjambuuia
– ANI (@ani) July 5, 2025
Attack on Sushil Kedia office
On Saturday, MNS activists vandalized Sushil Kedia’s Mumbai office, when Kedia wrote on social media, “I have been living in Mumbai for 30 years, but I do not know Marathi properly. I will not learn Marathi with the threat of your 100 workers.” In this post, he tagged and challenged Raj Thackeray. After the attack, Kedia demanded security and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to pay attention to the matter.
Marathi identity and violence
The rally was to celebrate the victory of withdrawal of the policy of withdrawing Hindi in primary schools as a third language in primary schools. Raj and Uddhav Thackeray described it as the victory of Marathi Asmita. However, the incident of attack by MNS workers for not speaking Marathi on a shopkeeper in Meera Road made the issue more complicated. Seven activists were detained, but were released due to a bailable offense.
Condemning the violence, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Proud of Marathi is fine, but hooliganism will not be tolerated in its name.” Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi also criticized MNS, saying that instead of beating the poor, he should call Marathi with big corporates.
Political equation
Raj and Uddhav Thackeray coming on a platform after 20 years is considered a major change in the politics of Maharashtra. This unity can create new equations for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and 2026 assembly elections. Uddhav said, “We have come together and will live together.” However, Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar) distanced distance from this rally, as they are concerned about their non-Marathi vote bank.
