New Delhi: Tensions flared in Maharashtra’s Palghar district after a migrant auto-rickshaw driver was assaulted in public view by supporters of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The incident comes just days after a viral video showed the driver refusing to converse in Marathi, insisting on speaking in Hindi and Bhojpuri.
Viral Video Triggered Backlash
The controversy began when a video surfaced on social media showing the rickshaw driver near Virar station aggressively telling a local man, “Main Hindi bolunga, main Bhojpuri bolunga, mujhe Marathi nahi aata hai” (I will speak in Hindi and Bhojpuri, I don’t know Marathi). The clip quickly gained traction, triggering sharp reactions from regional outfits who accused the driver of insulting the Marathi language and culture.
Political Workers Track Down, Assault Driver
On Saturday, a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS workers confronted the same driver near Virar station. In a disturbing sequence caught on camera, the migrant driver was slapped, punched, and forced to apologise to the local man and his sister — reportedly involved in the earlier spat — as well as to the people of Maharashtra for allegedly disrespecting Marathi pride.
Women members of the group also participated in the assault, as bystanders watched in silence.
Leaders Defend Assault, Cite Marathi ‘Asmita’
Justifying the public thrashing, Shiv Sena (UBT) Virar city chief Uday Jadhav said, “Anyone who insults the Marathi language, Maharashtra or the Marathi manoos will get a reply in true Shiv Sena style. We made him apologise to those he offended.”
A local Sena functionary went further, claiming the driver was “taught a befitting lesson” for his remarks.
No Police Complaint Yet, Tensions Spread
Despite the videos circulating widely online, Palghar police confirmed on Sunday that no formal complaint has been filed yet. “We are verifying the facts. No one has come forward to lodge a complaint,” a senior official told news agency PTI.
The incident has reignited tensions over language identity in Maharashtra, with similar flare-ups reported in nearby districts. On July 1, MNS workers allegedly slapped a food stall owner in Bhayander for not speaking Marathi. The episode triggered protests by traders and counter-marches by MNS and other groups defending Marathi asmita (pride).
Several MNS, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) workers were detained during a protest rally on July 8.
Growing Faultlines Over Language Politics
The latest incident underscores the persistent faultlines in Maharashtra over language politics, with regional parties increasingly asserting Marathi identity amid the growing presence of migrant workers from other states.
The state administration and police are now under pressure to ensure law and order while balancing cultural sensitivities in an increasingly polarised atmosphere.