Mumbai Police on Saturday detained five Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers in connection with the vandalism at entrepreneur Sushil Kedia’s office in Worli. The incident comes amid a growing row over language and regional identity in Maharashtra.
The action follows a social media post by Kedia, which was perceived as critical of MNS and its chief Raj Thackeray, triggering backlash from party supporters.
Sushil Kedia withdraws comments, cites stress and misinterpretation
In a public statement, Kedia expressed regret for his remarks, saying his tweet was posted in a "wrong state of mind" under emotional stress. He claimed his comments had been “taken out of context” and were being manipulated for political gain.
“Having come under pressure mentally from the violence inflicted on those who do not know Marathi, I ended up overreacting,” Kedia said, adding that he now wishes to “correct the mistake unequivocally.”
Calls for encouragement, not fear
Kedia clarified that his reaction stemmed from concern over common citizens being targeted for not knowing Marathi. However, he praised Raj Thackeray for his past leadership and support of Hindutva causes, including the Hanuman Chalisa campaign, and said he still views the MNS chief as a hero.
“Instead of frightening people, if encouragement is provided, it will help overcome hesitation and improve fluency in the Marathi language,” Kedia said, urging for a more inclusive approach to linguistic pride.
Chirag Paswan, Fadnavis condemn language-based violence
Meanwhile, Union Minister Chirag Paswan strongly condemned a separate incident in Thane, where a shopkeeper was reportedly assaulted for not speaking Marathi.
“It is beyond my understanding how many divisions will be created among Indians, sometimes in the name of region, sometimes language, religion, or caste,” Paswan said, calling for mutual respect and sensitivity.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also weighed in, stating that strict action would be taken against hooliganism in the name of protecting Marathi. “The Mahayuti government will not tolerate violence against common people,” he warned.
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