BJP MP from Jharkhand's Godda, Nishikant Dubey, has issued a sharp response to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, following the latter’s controversial remarks urging party workers to assault non-Marathi speakers who “create drama”.

Dubey, known for his aggressive political tone, took aim at Thackeray’s comments made during a rally in Mumbai, accusing him of stoking regional tensions for electoral gain ahead of the upcoming BMC elections.

Speaking to ANI, Dubey said, “People like Raj Thackeray survive on the hard-earned money from Hindi-speaking states. What industries have they built? If he’s bold enough to ask his workers to beat Hindi speakers, then let him try doing the same with Urdu, Tamil, or Telugu speakers too.”

In a direct challenge, Dubey added, “If you're such a big neta, step outside Maharashtra. Come to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. Tumko patak patak ke maarenge—you’ll be thrashed black and blue.”

He acknowledged the contributions of the Marathi community and the state of Maharashtra in India’s freedom struggle but accused both Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray of engaging in divisive politics. “These leaders are only trying to create a stir to remain relevant. If they truly have the guts, let them go to Mahim and confront the Urdu or Hindi-speaking population near the Dargah,” Dubey asserted.

The war of words erupted after Raj Thackeray, while celebrating the Maharashtra government's rollback of the three-language rule in schools, said that while people should be encouraged to learn Marathi, those who ‘create drama’ should be physically dealt with. “Slap them below the ears, but don’t record it—let the beaten person tell the story,” Thackeray said at the rally, further provoking political backlash.