This won't be tolerated': Maharashtra CM Fadnavis on slap incident over Marathi language

A Controversial Slap Sparks Political Outrage

A recent altercation in Mumbai involving a non-Marathi speaker allegedly being slapped for not speaking Marathi has ignited a political firestorm across Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday condemned the incident unequivocally, stating, “This will not be tolerated in a civil society,” and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to preserving linguistic harmony.

The incident reportedly took place on a suburban local train between Thane and Dadar, where a passenger was allegedly assaulted by a fellow commuter for conversing in Hindi and refusing to respond in Marathi. Video footage of the confrontation went viral, prompting outrage from citizens and a sharp response from political leaders across party lines.

Fadnavis Reacts Strongly

Speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, “Maharashtra has always upheld the Marathi language with pride, but never at the cost of intolerance. No citizen should feel unsafe for the language they speak. Law will take its course, and such behavior will be strictly punished.”

He further clarified that promoting Marathi remains a cultural priority, but it must be done within the framework of inclusivity and respect for diversity. “We cannot allow vigilantism in the name of language,” he added.

Police Investigation Underway

Mumbai Police have taken cognizance of the incident and have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to assault and promoting enmity. Officials confirmed that the assailant has been identified and summoned for questioning.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Satya Narayan Chaudhary, stated, “We have zero tolerance for communal or linguistic aggression. The law is equal for all, and we urge citizens to report such acts rather than retaliate.”

Political Reactions Pour In

The incident has drawn varied reactions from political parties. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray condemned the violence but called for greater emphasis on Marathi in public life. “Marathi should be respected in Maharashtra, but respect cannot be enforced through violence,” he tweeted.

On the other hand, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan labeled the incident “a symptom of rising social intolerance,” urging the government to initiate a statewide awareness campaign about linguistic rights and civil conduct.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), known for its earlier campaigns promoting Marathi, distanced itself from the act. Party spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande said, “This is not our way. We advocate for Marathi pride, but not by harming others.”

Societal Implications and Linguistic Identity

Maharashtra, with its cosmopolitan cities like Mumbai and Pune, has always walked a tightrope between preserving Marathi identity and embracing multiculturalism. According to 2021 data from the Language Policy Institute of India, nearly 35% of Mumbai’s population speaks Hindi, followed by Marathi at 31%, and other languages including Gujarati, Tamil, and Urdu.

Dr. Shruti Pawar, a sociolinguist at the University of Mumbai, commented, “There’s a fine balance between cultural preservation and pluralism. Acts like this disrupt that equilibrium and threaten the social fabric of urban Maharashtra.”

Business and Investor Outlook

While the incident hasn’t directly impacted financial markets, analysts warn that recurring instances of social discord can dent investor sentiment in the long term, especially in sectors dependent on human capital mobility and consumer diversity.

Kunal Khemani, Senior Analyst at Bluewave Investments, noted, “Incidents that hint at rising intolerance—be it linguistic, religious, or cultural—can become red flags for institutional investors. Maharashtra, especially Mumbai, is a hub for startups, fintech, and global enterprises. Stability and social harmony are non-negotiable for sustained investment.”

He added that while the current situation remains isolated, proactive governance and communication from state leadership are key to preventing market panic.

Government’s Next Steps

In the wake of the incident, the state government is mulling the launch of a multilingual awareness campaign aimed at fostering mutual respect among linguistic communities. Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed that discussions are underway for school-level sensitization programs and public outreach through the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad.

Deputy CM Fadnavis reiterated, “No one will be allowed to create an atmosphere of fear in the name of language. Every Mumbaikar—whether Marathi-speaking or not—has an equal right to dignity and safety.”

As Maharashtra moves ahead, balancing its rich Marathi heritage with its modern cosmopolitan character, leaders across the spectrum agree: violence or coercion in the name of language has no place in society. The incident, while disturbing, has sparked crucial conversations around inclusivity, cultural respect, and civil responsibility.

Whether these discussions lead to meaningful reforms remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Maharashtra’s identity will be shaped not just by its language, but by its commitment to unity in diversity.