Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Monday fiercely criticized BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his inflammatory “patak patak ke marenge” (will thrash you) remarks targeting Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, amid tensions over violence against Hindi-speaking individuals in Maharashtra. Aaditya accused the BJP of using divisive tactics to stoke linguistic conflicts ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

Dubey, a Lok Sabha MP from Jharkhand’s Godda, posted on X: “To those beating Hindi speakers in Mumbai, if you have the courage, try beating Urdu speakers in Maharashtra. Even a dog is a tiger in its own home. Decide for yourself who is the dog and who is the tiger.” The remarks were in response to MNS workers assaulting non-Marathi speakers, following Raj Thackeray’s controversial call to “hit below the ears” those who “create drama” over the Marathi language, while advising against recording such acts.

Aaditya condemned Dubey’s statement as a deliberate attempt to divide Marathi and Hindi-speaking communities. “This is the BJP’s anti-Maharashtra mentality, straight from their divide-and-rule playbook,” he told PTI Videos. “Dubey doesn’t represent North Indians; he represents the BJP’s agenda to create controversies where none exist.” Aaditya emphasized that Maharashtra welcomes people from all states who live and work harmoniously, but “some elements want to set Maharashtra ablaze for their selfish political gains.”

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The controversy stems from a broader linguistic row sparked by the Maharashtra government’s now-scrapped proposal to introduce Hindi as a third language in primary schools. The rollback, celebrated by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray at a joint “Awaj Marathicha” rally in Mumbai on July 5, marked their first shared stage in nearly two decades. Aaditya clarified that Shiv Sena (UBT) is not against Hindi but opposes its “imposition” on Maharashtra’s cultural identity. “Even our spokesperson Anand Dubey is a North Indian,” he noted, rejecting claims of anti-Hindi sentiment.

Dubey’s remarks drew sharp rebukes from other leaders as well. Borivali BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay called for respecting all languages, stating, “Languages unite people, not divide them. Statements against Marathi culture are condemnable.” NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also slammed Dubey, accusing him of exploiting the issue for electoral gains in Bihar. “We’re not against Hindi, Gujarati, or Marwari, but those born in Maharashtra must respect its language and culture. Dubey is trying to create a Hindu-Muslim divide while focusing on Bihar elections,” Pawar said.

The linguistic row has escalated tensions, with MNS workers’ attacks on non-Marathi speakers, such as a shopkeeper in Mumbai, fueling debates ahead of the BMC polls. Actor and Bhojpuri singer Dinesh Lal Yadav, known as Nirahua, issued an open challenge to the Thackerays, saying, “I speak Bhojpuri and live in Maharashtra. If you have the courage, drive me out.” Meanwhile, 26/11 hero Praveen Teotia criticized linguistic chauvinism, stating, “I saved Mumbai during the 2008 attacks, yet I’m from UP. Don’t divide the nation.”

Aaditya warned that the BJP might escalate anti-Marathi rhetoric to provoke reactions, urging restraint. “Their playbook thrives on hate and division, not progress,” he said, calling for unity to counter such tactics. As Maharashtra braces for civic polls, the language debate continues to polarize, with leaders across parties navigating the delicate balance between regional pride and national unity.

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