In a sharp escalation of the ongoing Marathi-Hindi language controversy, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday launched a scathing attack against Maharashtra leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, accusing them of indulging in “cheap politics” ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

The remarks came as a reaction to Raj Thackeray’s provocative statement urging his supporters to “beat but don’t film” non-Marathi speakers during a rally in the aftermath of the Mira Road incident, where MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) activists were caught on video assaulting a shopkeeper for not speaking in Marathi.

Dubey Dares Thackerays to Leave Maharashtra

Dubey, in an aggressive rebuttal, accused both Raj and Uddhav of thriving on regional identity politics and challenged them to step outside the state of Maharashtra.

“You people are surviving on our money. What kind of industries do you even have?” Dubey asked during a public address, questioning the economic base of Maharashtra's regional leaders. He went further, saying, “Come to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu — tumko patak patak ke maarenge (you’ll be thrashed soundly).”

He implied that Marathi chauvinism would find no support beyond Maharashtra and that the Thackerays were instigating hatred for electoral gains.

Dubey also referenced the Mahim dargah and challenged the duo to confront Hindi or Urdu speakers there. While maintaining that the BJP respects Marathi people, he warned against language-based vigilantism.

Uddhav Hits Back: 'BJP Is Killer of Marathi'

The remarks provoked a strong response from Uddhav Thackeray, who accused the BJP of insulting the Marathi community and attempting to polarise voters along linguistic lines.

Speaking from Vidhan Bhavan, Uddhav said, “This is nothing but an insult to Maharashtra and Marathi people. The BJP has always tried to destroy regional pride.” He added that these remarks further expose the double standards of the BJP, especially in states like Maharashtra where it allies with regional forces.

Aaditya Thackeray, senior leader of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Uddhav’s son, said, “This is divide-and-rule politics. They’re trying to stoke hate to win elections.” He also called out the BJP’s silence on the Mira Road violence.

UBT Sena: Attack on All Marathis, Not Just Thackerays

Sushma Andhare, a senior leader of the UBT faction of Shiv Sena, stated that Dubey’s comments weren’t just a political jibe at the Thackerays, but an insult to all Marathis, including BJP’s own Devendra Fadnavis.

“Will Deputy CM Fadnavis, also a proud Marathi, respond to this challenge?” she questioned. The remark has sparked tensions within the BJP’s own Maharashtra unit, creating awkward optics for the ruling coalition.

Shinde Camp Distances Itself

In a rare deviation from the BJP’s stance, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, currently allied with the BJP, also expressed unease about Dubey's remarks.

Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, said, “I am speaking not as a minister but as a Marathi and a Shiv Sainik. I cannot accept this kind of insult.”

This statement reflects growing intra-alliance discomfort, especially as language identity becomes a sensitive political subject ahead of municipal elections.

Ashish Shelar’s Controversial Parallel

Adding more fuel to the fire, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar controversially compared the Mira Road assault incident to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025.

While speaking in the Maharashtra Assembly, Shelar declared, “We will defend Marathi pride, but we will not tolerate assaulting people who speak another language.” His remarks sparked heated debate in the House, with opposition MLAs accusing the BJP of communalising a regional issue.

Raj Thackeray Justifies MNS Stand

In his address during the MNS 'Marathi Victory March', Raj Thackeray defended the party’s actions. “There’s no need to slap someone unless they cross the line. Then they deserve it,” he said.

On Devendra Fadnavis’s earlier warning against "goondagiri," Raj Thackeray said, “If fighting for Marathi justice is goondagiri, then yes, we are goondas.”

He insisted that linguistic respect must be upheld, especially in Maharashtra, where Marathi is the official language and should be promoted in public life and commercial spaces.

Language-Based Identity Crisis Brewing

This ongoing controversy has reignited the long-simmering debate over regional identity, linguistic inclusion, and migration in Maharashtra.

The issue has morphed from a localised incident in Mira Road into a nationwide political flashpoint, involving national leaders, regional powerhouses, and coalition partners.

Analysts note that language-based politics has historically played a significant role in Maharashtra’s political culture, and current tensions could reshape electoral narratives, particularly in urban pockets like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.

What Comes Next?

As of now, no formal action has been taken against Dubey by his party. However, the BJP’s silence is being interpreted by many as tacit approval or a wait-and-watch approach. The party is likely trying to manage internal contradictions while keeping its vote banks intact.

The issue could also test the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alliance, as leaders like Kadam continue to speak out.

The BMC elections, one of the most crucial local polls in India, are just around the corner, and this language controversy is poised to become a central electoral theme, particularly with both UBT and MNS making Marathi identity their flagship campaign plank.

Conclusion

The Nishikant Dubey vs. Thackeray controversy underscores the fragile balance between nationalism and regional pride in Indian politics. With the BJP caught in a tricky position between appeasing its northern base and retaining its Marathi allies, the coming days could see more provocative statements, tighter security, and strategic recalibrations across political camps.

As Mumbai prepares to vote and regional identity once again becomes a battleground, the language debate is no longer just a cultural issue — it has become a decisive electoral factor.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are NSDL, Spunweb Nonwoven, Smartworks Coworking, Asston Pharmaceuticals, CFF Fluid Control,  Anthem Biosciences.

The Current active IPO are Glen Industries, Smarten Power Systems, Travel Food Services, Chemkart India, Meta Infotech.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.