Tensions between regional and linguistic identities flared again after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey sharply criticised Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray over recent incidents of alleged violence against Hindi-speaking individuals in Maharashtra.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Dubey strongly condemned the assaults and dared the Thackeray cousins to repeat such actions outside the state. “Come to UP, Bihar or Tamil Nadu. Tumhe patak-patak ke maarenge,” he said, referring to recent viral videos showing attacks on those who couldn’t speak Marathi.

Viral Assault Videos Spark Political Outrage

The controversy was triggered by multiple videos circulating on social media, allegedly showing MNS workers attacking Hindi-speaking labourers and shopkeepers for not conversing in Marathi. In one widely shared clip from Mira Road, a shopkeeper was slapped by two MNS activists after stating he could not speak the local language. Another man in the video warned him not to continue running his business in the area.

The MNS defended the action, saying, “If anyone insults the Marathi language, MNS will respond in this manner.”

Dubey Challenges Thackerays to Step Outside Maharashtra

Dubey’s criticism wasn’t limited to the attacks alone. He called out Raj Thackeray for encouraging violence under the radar. “If you beat someone, don’t make a video of the incident. Let the person beaten tell that he has been beaten up; you don’t need to tell everyone,” Raj had said earlier during a rally.

Taking direct aim at that statement, Dubey added, “If you have the courage to beat Hindi-speaking people, then you should also beat those who speak Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu. If you are such a big ‘boss’, step out of Maharashtra and come to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or Tamil Nadu — tumko patak-patak ke maarenge.”

Economic Argument: ‘Maharashtra Runs on Our Money’

Dubey also raised economic points, arguing that Maharashtra’s development has benefited from Hindi-speaking states. “You have no industries in your state. You do not generate much tax. States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha have mines. Gujarat has industries too. What do you have?” he asked.

Referring to major industrial players, he said, “There are Tata, Birla and Reliance — they are not unique to Maharashtra. Tata established its first factory in Bihar. You people are surviving on our money.”

Shiv Sena UBT Responds: ‘Cheap Politics’ Before BMC Polls

The joint appearance of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray during a recent “victory rally” following the Maharashtra government’s rollback of its three-language education policy has further fuelled speculation about political realignments ahead of the BMC elections.

The policy, which had mandated the teaching of Hindi, English, and Marathi in schools, was opposed by both leaders as “Hindi imposition.” Uddhav Thackeray later clarified his position, saying, “We are not anti-Hindi. We are against Hindi-imposition.”

Backlash to Dubey’s Remarks

Not everyone welcomed Dubey’s outburst. Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader Yogesh Kadam criticized the BJP MP, stating, “Such arrogance will not work. We will not tolerate such statements. He is a Parliamentarian… it does not befit him to give such statements.”

Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT) also questioned Dubey’s authority, saying, “Who made him the gatekeeper of Hindi? Who made him the spokesperson of industrialists? Who made him the decision maker of what other party leaders should be doing?”

She also asked whether Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis endorsed Dubey’s statements and his “disparaging comments about hardworking people of the state.”