BJP MP Dubey Challenges Thackeray Cousins Over Marathi Language Dispute

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey sparked a political controversy in Maharashtra by responding to MNS chief Raj Thackeray's call to target Hindi speakers. Dubey warned opponents, 'tumko patak patak ke marenge' (we'll thrash you thoroughly). He criticized Maharashtra's lack of industries and challenged them to beat speakers of other languages besides Hindi. Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray accused BJP of trying to divide Maharashtra through divisive rhetoric. He emphasized that the issue was not about languages but about the BJP's attempt to create tension for electoral gain.

Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil dismissed Dubey's comments as ignorant and emphasized that the controversy was not about language but about the education system. NCP-SCP MLA Rohit Pawar criticized Dubey for importing election strategies from Bihar to Maharashtra. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi demanded accountability from the state leadership for remaining silent on such issues.

The row is part of a larger campaign by MNS and Shiv Sena against the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra's schools. The state government's decision to reverse the introduction of Hindi as a third language in primary schools has fueled the ongoing controversy.