Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey has once again launched a sharp attack on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, accusing him of inciting violence in the name of language politics ahead of civic polls in Mumbai. The remarks come in the wake of a series of attacks on non-Marathi speakers in the state, allegedly carried out by MNS workers.
Taking to social media, Dubey posted a screenshot of a purported WikiLeaks entry highlighting the 2007 assaults on Bihari students in Maharashtra, drawing a parallel between past and current incidents. He alleged that Raj Thackeray stirs up such controversies when he loses popular support.
“If Raj Thackeray doesn’t get public support, he sends goons to the streets. His politics is based on hooliganism, especially ahead of BMC elections, fearing defeat,” Dubey wrote on X.
Refuting any anti-Marathi sentiment, the BJP MP emphasized his respect for the Maratha community, stating: “The Maratha community is always honourable. This country belongs to all. In my own constituency, Maratha Madhulimaye ji was elected MP three times. Even against Indira Gandhi, we elected a Maratha candidate to Parliament. Don't make your fight about the Maratha identity, Raj Thackeray. We respect Maharashtra and have contributed to its progress.”
Dubey’s fresh offensive comes a day after he slammed Thackeray for his controversial remarks at a public gathering. During an event attended by his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, the MNS chief had said that while all residents should know Marathi, those who “create drama” over it should be “hit below the eardrum” — a statement that many interpreted as a subtle endorsement of violence.
The language row has escalated following multiple violent incidents in Thane and Mumbai, including the June 29 assault on a Hindi-speaking shopkeeper, Babulal Choudhary, in Mira Road. The FIR filed by Kashimira Police named seven MNS workers, with a chargesheet now submitted and preventive action proposed.
In another incident, five men were detained in Worli for vandalising the office of investor Sushil Kedia, who had publicly challenged Raj Thackeray over the language issue.
