MNS Workers Attack Rajasthani Shopkeeper Over WhatsApp Status

Mumbai, 17 July – (www.deccanlive.com): Once again, Raj Thackeray’s political party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is in controversy. This time, MNS workers beat up a Rajasthani shopkeeper in Tagore Nagar, Vikhroli, Mumbai, because of a WhatsApp status that they felt was insulting to the Marathi community.

What Happened?

The shopkeeper, who belongs to the Marwari (Rajasthani) community, had posted a status on WhatsApp that said:

“Dekh liya Rajasthani ka power. Hum Marwari, hamare saamne kisi ki nahi chalti.”

MNS workers got angry at this post and claimed it was an insult to Marathi people. They went to his shop, slapped him, forced him to say sorry, and warned him not to write anything against Marathi people again.

A video of the incident is going viral on social media. In the video, the shopkeeper is seen holding his ears and apologizing, saying:

“It won’t happen again.”

MNS Made and Shared the Video

Surprisingly, MNS workers themselves recorded the video, added Marathi music and slogans, and shared it online. The video includes a clear MNS logo and the message:

“Whoever insults Marathi people will be treated like this.”

This is despite Raj Thackeray himself warning his party workers in the past not to record such incidents, to avoid legal trouble.

What Did the Police Do?

After the beating, the shopkeeper was taken to the police station, and a complaint was registered.

Local MNS leader Vishwajeet Dholam also called for a boycott of the shopkeeper’s business. He said:

“Don’t buy from those who insult Marathi people.”

Not the First Incident

This is not the first time such an incident has happened. In recent weeks, attacks in the name of Marathi identity have increased:

• On July 1st, in Thane, a street food vendor was beaten up because he refused to speak Marathi.
• In Mira-Bhayander, on July 8th, MNS, Shiv Sena (Uddhav group), and NCP (Sharad Pawar group) held a rally to support “Marathi Pride.”
• In Virar, a rickshaw driver from Uttar Pradesh said, “I will speak Hindi,” and was attacked by MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers. He was forced to apologize publicly.

Political Reactions

Local Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uday Jadhav said:

“Anyone who insults Maharashtra or the Marathi language will get a response in Shiv Sena style.”

These events have once again sparked a big debate on “Marathi vs Outsiders” in Maharashtra.