**BJP Leader Nitesh Rane Issues Warning to MNS Amid Assault Controversy**
Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has issued a stern warning to Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) following a violent incident involving a shopkeeper who was assaulted for not speaking Marathi. Rane questioned the courage of MNS workers, suggesting they would not dare to confront individuals from the Muslim community who also do not speak the language. He emphasized that any attacks on Hindus would provoke a strong response from the Mahayuti government.
Rane’s comments came in the wake of a viral video showing MNS members confronting a shopkeeper in Mumbai’s Mira Road area. The shopkeeper was reportedly attacked after he claimed he was unaware that speaking Marathi was mandatory. The MNS workers reacted violently, slapping the shopkeeper and verbally abusing him, particularly after he stated that multiple languages are spoken in Maharashtra.
In response to the incident, an FIR has been filed against seven MNS workers under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to inciting unrest. An investigation is currently underway.
Santosh Rane, the MNS’s Mira-Bhayander district president, defended the actions of his party members, asserting that the MNS would respond aggressively to any perceived insults to the Marathi language. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray weighed in on the matter, expressing a desire to protect the Marathi language from insult while opposing the imposition of any language.
The MNS has been vocal in its opposition to the BJP’s three-language policy, and incidents of violence against those who do not speak Marathi have been increasingly reported.
In conclusion, the ongoing tensions surrounding language and identity in Maharashtra highlight the complexities of regional politics and the potential for conflict when cultural pride intersects with political agendas.
**FAQ**
**Q: What sparked the recent controversy involving the MNS and a shopkeeper?**
A: The controversy began when MNS workers assaulted a shopkeeper in Mumbai for not speaking Marathi, leading to widespread condemnation and legal action against the assailants.
