Devendra Fadnavis hits out at MNS over language violence, warns of police action

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has condemned the recent language-related violence in the state, warning of police action against those engaging in such activities. The statement comes in response to an incident where Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers were seen slapping a shopkeeper in Mumbai for refusing to speak Marathi. Fadnavis emphasised that while being proud of Marathi is not wrong, violence in the name of language will not be tolerated. He stated, 'If anyone indulges in hooliganism or beating based on language, it will not be tolerated.' The Chief Minister also took a dig at MNS and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction, suggesting they are not the sole representatives of Marathi identity. The incident has intensified the language debate in Maharashtra, with various political parties positioning themselves ahead of upcoming civic body polls.