Marathi language row: Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS workers assault auto driver in Palghar

A migrant auto-rickshaw driver in Maharashtra’s Palghar district was assaulted in public by supporters of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), following a viral video of a language-related argument.

The incident stemmed from an earlier confrontation at Virar railway station, where Bhavesh Padolia, a migrant from Uttar Pradesh, questioned the driver, also a migrant, about not speaking Marathi.

In the video, the driver repeatedly said, “Main Hindi bolunga” (“I will speak in Hindi”), stating his preference for Hindi and Bhojpuri over Marathi.

On Saturday, the driver was reportedly confronted by a group of Sena (UBT) and MNS supporters near Virar station. Video footage shows him being slapped several times, including by women members of the group, and forced to issue a public apology to Padolia, his sister, and the state of Maharashtra. The attackers accused him of insulting the Marathi language and culture.

Virar city Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uday Jadhav, who was present during the incident, confirmed the group’s involvement. “If anyone insults the Marathi language or Marathi people, they will be answered in true Shiv Sena style,” he said, adding that the driver was taught “a befitting lesson.”

Earlier this month, MNS workers in Thane assaulted a street vendor for not speaking Marathi, triggering public outrage and arrests.

In response, traders in Bhayander organised counter-protests, accusing MNS of moral policing. The tensions culminated in a July 8 protest march by Marathi pride groups, with participation from the Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and others.