Restaurant Owner Faces Backlash Over Language Remarks
A restaurant owner in Thane’s Kalyan town found himself at the center of a controversy after allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Marathi language. The incident, which quickly gained attention on social media, involved members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) confronting the owner. The restaurant, known for its South Indian cuisine, became a focal point for the language debate when a video surfaced showing MNS workers demanding the owner to speak in Marathi and questioning his alleged abusive comments towards Marathi speakers.
Confrontation with MNS Workers
In the viral video, tensions escalated as one of the MNS workers was seen grabbing the restaurant owner’s collar, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The confrontation highlighted ongoing sensitivities around language and cultural identity in Maharashtra. The MNS, led by Raj Thackeray, has been vocal about preserving Marathi culture and language, often leading to such public disputes.
Resolution and Apology
Following the heated exchange, a subsequent video showed a reconciliatory gesture between the restaurant owner and two MNS workers, including the one involved in the physical altercation. In this video, the owner publicly apologized and expressed his respect for Marathi culture. One of the MNS workers reiterated that they welcome non-Marathi speakers who respect local traditions and language.
Political Context and Broader Implications
The incident comes amid broader discussions about language policies in Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasized harmony between Marathi and Hindi-speaking communities, warning against attempts to incite division. Additionally, recent actions by Thane’s civic education department have underscored the importance of adhering to language norms in schools, particularly concerning Marathi instruction.