Attacks on Hindi speakers: MNS strategy, challenges for Fadnavis govt

In recent days, a political storm has erupted in Maharashtra following attacks on Hindi-speaking traders and common citizens by workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

- RAKESH SINGH NEW DELHI

Particularly in regions like Mumbai and Thane, incidents have surfaced where shopkeepers were assaulted for not speaking Marathi or responding in Hindi.

These incidents, especially the assault on a Gujarati shopkeeper, Bagharam Chaudhary, in Mira-Bhayandar, have become a focal point of public debate.

Questions are now being raised: Is this aggression by the MNS driven by the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections? And how will Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' government handle this crisis? Let's break it down in simple terms.

MNS's Strategy: Eyes on the BMC Elections: Founded in 2006 by Raj Thackeray, the MNS has long built its political identity around "Marathi Asmita" (Marathi pride) and the idea of the "Marathi Manus" (Marathi person).

The party has a history of aggressive rhetoric and violent actions against non-Marathis, particularly Hindi-speaking North Indians.

Recent incidents—such as the assault on a shopkeeper in Mira Road, the attack over a social media post against Raj Thackeray in Pune, and anti-Hindi posters—indicate that MNS is once again trying to capitalize on the issue of "Marathi pride."

Political analysts believe this strategy is linked to the upcoming BMC elections.

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, has a municipal budget of several thousand crores, making BMC a prized institution for political parties.

MNS's voter base has significantly eroded over the years—from winning 13 assembly seats in 2009 to none in 2024.

In this context, the MNS appears to be reviving the Marathi vs non-Marathi sentiment to polarize voters and woo the Marathi electorate.