‘Marathi Must Be Respected in Maharashtra,’ Says Minister Yogesh Kadam Amid Viral Video Outrage

Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, on Thursday emphasized the mandatory use of the Marathi language within the state and warned that any act of disrespect toward it would lead to legal consequences. His comments come in response to public anger over a viral video from Thane, where a food stall owner was allegedly assaulted for not speaking in Marathi.

“In Maharashtra, speaking Marathi is essential,” said Kadam while addressing the media. “Even if someone doesn’t know the language, their attitude should not be one of defiance. Disrespecting Marathi will not be tolerated, and legal action will follow.”

The minister also condemned the violence in the incident, stressing that vigilante behavior is unacceptable. “The individuals who assaulted the vendor should have filed a police complaint instead of taking the law into their own hands,” he added.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

The controversy centers on a video that surfaced from the Bhayander area on Tuesday evening. It shows several men, some wearing scarves symbolizing the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), confronting a food vendor who allegedly refused to speak Marathi when asked. The situation escalated, and the vendor was slapped by multiple individuals.

Following the incident, Kashimira Police registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita based on the vendor’s complaint. An investigation is ongoing.

MNS and the Push for Marathi

The MNS, led by Raj Thackeray, has long campaigned for making Marathi compulsory in commercial spaces, including shops and banks. The recent incident has reignited debates over linguistic identity and cultural respect in Maharashtra.

Language Politics Back in Focus

The assault also coincides with a broader debate around language in the state. On Wednesday, Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, suggested that Hindi should be included in school curricula to promote national unity. This followed the state government’s controversial reversal of a decision that would have made Hindi mandatory as a third language in primary schools—prompting criticism from Marathi advocacy groups and opposition parties.

As the language debate gains momentum in Maharashtra, Kadam’s statement underscores the government’s intent to reinforce Marathi’s primacy, while also calling for restraint in how such sentiments are expressed.