Mumbai: Maharashtra BJP leader and state Cultural Affairs Minister, Ashish Shelar, has sharply criticized the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for their aggressive stance on Marathi language identity, likening their tactics to those of “terrorist-style” intimidation. This pointed remark came amid several incidents in Mumbai—including language-based confrontations and demands to enforce Marathi usage in public institutions.
One prominent episode involved MNS activists confronting Gujarati residents in a Ghatkopar housing society over Marathi families being allegedly insulted for consuming non‑vegetarian food. Shelar condemned the episode, stating that disrespecting Marathi speakers is unacceptable and that Maharashtra’s government will not tolerate cultural division .
Shelar further challenged MNS to present concrete achievements—“Show four deeds for Marathi people”rather than relying on inflammatory rhetoric. He described MNS actions as empty posturing and accused them of mirroring extremist tactics by using cultural pride as a tool for aggression .
These comments follow ongoing spats over the state’s three-language policy. Shelar reasserted the mandatory status of Marathi, warned against politicizing language, and accused rival parties of exploiting linguistic identity for electoral ends.
Shelar’s strong language reflects BJP’s broader strategy to affirm Marathi as Maharashtra’s rightful cultural cornerstone while distancing itself from the MNS’s hardline rhetoric.
