A sweet shopkeeper in Mira Road was assaulted by MNS workers for not speaking Marathi. The viral video sparked protests, a citywide bandh, and sharp political clashes between BJP and MNS.
Mira Road, July 4 – A sweet shopkeeper in Mira Road was allegedly assaulted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers for refusing to speak in Marathi, triggering outrage, citywide protests, and an intensifying war of words between political parties.
The video of the assault went viral on social media, showing the shopkeeper being attacked after reportedly declining to respond in Marathi. The incident sparked widespread anger among the trader community in Mira-Bhayander, who observed a bandh (shutdown) on Thursday, demanding strict action against the accused.
Local trader associations closed many shops across the city in a united protest. Demonstrators called the assault unacceptable and urged authorities to act firmly against those involved.
“This is not just about language, but safety and dignity. We want assurance this won’t happen again,” said one local shop owner.
The Mira Bhayandar Police have taken cognizance of the viral video and registered a case. So far, seven MNS workers have been identified and are likely to face legal action soon.
In response, MNS leaders launched a counter-offensive. Senior leader Sandeep Deshpande tweeted a provocative statement:
“If you are a bepari, do bepari. Don’t try to be our father. If you insult Marathi in Maharashtra, you’ll be heard.”
He also made veiled threats, saying those mocking Marathi should “stay in shorts,” referencing past MNS protests.
Deshpande warned BJP leaders from Mira-Bhayandar against making “anti-Marathi” statements, adding,
“We haven’t forgotten Raza Academy march. Don’t test our patience.”
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the incident and demanded strict action against the attackers.
BJP leaders accused MNS of “intimidating shopkeepers” under the guise of linguistic pride.
In retaliation, MNS leaders like Avinash Jadhav and Pramod Patil blamed BJP for “politicizing the issue” and alleged that the traders’ bandh was “orchestrated by BJP to defame MNS.”
The incident has reignited the language versus identity debate in Maharashtra. While Marathi pride remains a deeply emotional issue for MNS, questions are being raised about freedom, business safety, and the boundaries of activism in a diverse, multilingual state.
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