Fri Jul 04 13:03:33 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A shopkeeper in Mira Road, Mumbai, was assaulted by members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for questioning the compulsory use of Marathi. While the MNS defends the action, citing disrespect towards the language, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violence, asserting that while Marathi should be respected, such hooliganism will not be tolerated. The incident occurred after the Maharashtra government withdrew its three-language policy, which was criticized by opposition parties.
**News Article:**
**Maharashtra CM Condemns Assault on Shopkeeper Over Language Dispute**
**Mumbai, India** – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly condemned the assault of a shopkeeper in Mira Road by members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), emphasizing that while Marathi language pride is important, violence is unacceptable.
Babulal Chaudhary, owner of ‘Jodhpur Sweer Shop,’ was attacked by MNS workers after he questioned the necessity of mandatory Marathi usage. The MNS has defended the actions of its members, claiming Chaudhary disrespected the language.
“Marathi should be respected, but beating anyone will not be tolerated,” Fadnavis stated at a press conference, asserting that “hooliganism” in the name of the language will not be permitted. He criticized the MNS’s actions and reiterated that all Marathi-speaking individuals do not share their extremist views.
The incident occurred shortly after the Maharashtra government retracted its three-language policy, which sparked controversy. Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray are planning a large protest against the decision, but will now mark ‘Marathi Vijay Diwas’ to celebrate the withdrawal of the orders. The event will see the cousins appearing together at a political event for the first time in almost two decades. An FIR has been registered in connection with the assault.
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