A controversial plea has been filed in the Supreme Court demanding strict action against MNS chief Raj Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, accusing them of hate speech and orchestrating violent campaigns against Hindi-speaking citizens in Mumbai. The petition, filed by Sunil Shukla, National President of the Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena, urges the court to derecognize MNS as a political party and ensure protection for North Indian communities facing threats and attacks in Maharashtra.
The plea highlights a March 30 Gudi Padwa rally, where Thackeray allegedly incited violence against non-Marathi speakers, specifically targeting those in public-facing roles at malls and banks. In a clip aired on TV, Thackeray is seen declaring: “In our Mumbai, they tell us they cannot speak Marathi… they will get a slap on the face.” He further asserted that Marathi must be respected in Mumbai and dismissed broader national unity narratives.
Following the rally, reports of physical assaults emerged from localities such as Powai and Versova. Shukla claims that around 30 MNS workers stormed his party office, attempting to ransack the premises. Despite lodging multiple complaints with the Chief Minister, police officials, and the Election Commission, no FIRs were registered, nor any security arrangements provided, the petitioner said.
The matter now lies before the Supreme Court, as tensions rise over language-based identity politics and the safety of non-Marathi citizens in the state.
