Marathi Row: MNS Withdraws Agitation; Shiv Sena (UBT) Begins ‘Mee Mumbaikar’ Initiative

After a high-profile show of strength, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has called off his party's agitation against individuals who do not speak Marathi or use it as the official medium of communication.

Citing that "sufficient awareness" had been created, Thackeray instructed his workers to cease strong-arm tactics, following a warning from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a meeting with Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant on Saturday.

Photo Credit: PTI

Thackeray's campaign has raised concerns within the Shiv Sena (UBT), with fears that the MNS may be seeking to dominate the Marathi pride narrative, reported the Hindustan Times.

In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey has announced plans to launch free Marathi coaching classes for those unfamiliar with the language.

This initiative is more than just a gesture of goodwill - Dubey, who is also the party's spokesperson, appears keen to revive the 'Mee Mumbaikar' spirit championed by the undivided Shiv Sena two decades ago, which aimed to bridge the gap between Marathi and non-Marathi communities.

While officially ending the agitation on Saturday, Thackeray stated in a letter to party members: "We have successfully created enough awareness on the issue, so now let's stop this agitation."

Despite having no formal authority to issue such directives, Thackeray had warned during his Gudi Padwa rally on 30 March that those who defied his call for the use of Marathi would face repercussions from MNS cadres. He followed through on this threat.

On April 1, MNS workers assaulted a security guard at a bank, and harassed employees at various banks, government offices, and department stores.

After banking unions raised the matter with the state government, Fadnavis promised police action against those who had broken the law.

Minister Uday Samant also stepped in, later saying that after discussions with Thackeray, the MNS leader had offered suggestions to promote Marathi, which the government would consider.

Later that day, Thackeray issued a letter declaring the end of the agitation. He praised MNS workers for the "success of the agitation" and said: "The agitation showed the strength and power of the MNS. I want to tell the government that it should make it mandatory for all banks and government establishments to use Marathi. Then we will not take the law into our own hands. We have raised sufficient awareness on the issue. So let's stop the agitation for now."

Meanwhile, Bombay High Court lawyer Abid Abbas Sayyed has issued a notice to the state's Director General of Police and the Home Minister, demanding action against MNS members. The notice alleges that the MNS' actions breached constitutional rights such as freedom of speech, disrupted social harmony, and violated provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, as well as banking regulations.

Sayyed has given authorities seven days to arrest the individuals involved and file FIRs, warning that he would otherwise move the High Court.

'Coaching classes'

In the meantime, Sena (UBT)'s Anand Dubey has erected billboards in Kandivali reading: "Don't be afraid. Let's speak Marathi. Don't worry, we will teach you Marathi." Encouraging people to respect the Marathi language, Dubey has even shared phone numbers for those wishing to register for the lessons.

Sharing his message via social media, Dubey criticised the MNS's approach: "In Mumbai and areas around Mumbai, workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena are beating up non-Marathi people and telling them to talk in Marathi or else they will beat them. But they are not saying that if you do not know Marathi and want to learn it, we will teach you. It doesn't matter, it is useless to expect anything from them. We will do this noble work. We will teach you our beloved language. MNS people will insult you by beating you. We will teach you Marathi with love. Jai Maharashtra."

He added that the classes would be free of charge: "We have contacted Marathi school teachers to teach our courses. We have identified two places in Kandivali and one in Malad to start these classes. We will also start classes across Mumbai."

Commenting on the initiative, Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray told reporters: "It's a good initiative and our party always helps people through various classes like preparation for competitive exams, learning communication skills etc."