Raj Thackeray fires back at BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s ‘patak patak ke maarenge’ remark. (Photo: NDTV)
The longstanding Hindi-Marathi language controversy in Maharashtra intensified on Friday following Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray’s biting counter to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s incendiary statement. Dubey, speaking at a rally earlier, had uttered “patak patak ke maarenge” (we’ll beat you ruthlessly), which left Marathi organizations up in arms.
Addressing a rally in Mira Bhayandar, Thackeray replied, “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’ll drown you in the Mumbai sea).” Thackeray warned against insulting the Marathi community, shows that he would not tolerate anything on the issue of the Marathi language and the people of Maharashtra.
“Whoever lives in Maharashtra should learn Marathi at the earliest. he urged. Wherever you travel, use Marathi. In Karnataka, they struggle for their language. Even a rickshaw puller understands that there is a government behind him on language. In the same way, you act as a pillar and only talk in Marathi,” he said.
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The MNS leader further attacked state government’s attempt to introduce Hindi as a mandatory subject in schools. He blamed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for giving Hindi precedence over Marathi, and he said, “Marathi must be made compulsory in all schools. But you are talking of making Hindi compulsory. When they attempted it earlier, we had closed down shops, and now we will not think twice of closing down schools if they impose Hindi from Class 1 to 5.”
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, however, defended his words, and said they were in no way intended to offend the Marathis. “I am standing by my words. This country is an amalgamation and all its citizens have great love for their place. If Maharashtra belongs to this country, then anyone can be accommodated anywhere in this country,” said Dubey.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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