Maharashtra Chief Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray has warned migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar against imposing Hindi, calling it a “crisis,” sparking heated debate on language, identity, and coexistence in the state.
At a public rally in Mumbai on Thursday, Raj Thackeray delivered a hard-hitting message aimed at migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, warning them against imposing Hindi over the Marathi language.
“If anyone tries to impose Hindi here, I will kick them out of Maharashtra,” he said, drawing applause from supporters. He described the situation as a “crisis” and framed his statement as a defence of the local language and culture.
The remarks quickly went viral on social media, with some netizens supporting his stance on protecting Marathi, while others criticised the rhetoric as divisive and potentially inflammatory.
Political analysts have noted that language politics has historically played a polarising role in Maharashtra, often used to mobilise regional identity.
Migrant Communities and Their Contributions
According to official data, Maharashtra is home to over 55 lakh migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Many work in sectors such as construction, retail, services, and hospitality. These communities contribute significantly to the state’s economy, providing essential labour in urban centres like Mumbai, Pune, and Thane.
Leaders from migrant communities have urged calm, emphasising the importance of dialogue over threats. “We respect the Marathi language and culture, and we also hope our contributions are recognised rather than threatened,” said a community representative from Mumbai.
Despite this, some migrants have reported feeling unsafe following the warning, with fears of social and economic marginalisation surfacing in online discussions.
Historical Context of Language Tensions
Maharashtra has long witnessed tensions around language, dating back to the early post-independence period when linguistic identity shaped state boundaries and politics. Marathi is the state’s official language, and local groups have historically advocated for its prioritisation in education, administration, and employment.
However, the state’s urban economy has always relied on migrants, especially from northern states. Past incidents have included clashes over jobs, language use in schools, and cultural representation.
Political analysts argue that while defending regional identity is legitimate, public threats against specific communities risk inflaming social divides and undermining coexistence.
Political and Public Reactions
Thackeray’s statement has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders. Some opposition parties condemned the warning as unnecessary and provocative, arguing that Maharashtra thrives on diversity.
“We cannot allow regional pride to turn into hostility against fellow citizens,” a senior state leader said.
Supporters of Thackeray, however, defended his remarks, calling them a legitimate stand to protect Marathi heritage. The state government has not yet issued an official response, though police sources indicated that law enforcement agencies are monitoring social media and public sentiment to prevent possible unrest.
Language Debate
The language debate in Maharashtra has once again come into focus, reflecting long-standing tensions between regional identity and migration-driven diversity.
Marathi, as the state’s official language, is central to cultural pride and political discourse, while the widespread use of Hindi in urban spaces often triggers concerns about linguistic marginalisation.
Critics argue that equating language protection with exclusion risks deepening social divides, while supporters insist that safeguarding Marathi is essential to preserving the state’s cultural fabric in an increasingly multilingual environment.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While protecting local language and culture is important, threatening migrant communities is counterproductive and dangerous. Maharashtra’s strength lies in its diversity, where linguistic pride and migrant contributions can coexist peacefully.
Constructive engagement, inclusive policy, and public awareness campaigns are key to fostering harmony.
Encouraging dialogue rather than intimidation allows the state to celebrate Marathi culture while valuing the economic and social role of migrant populations.
In a country where migration and multiculturalism are part of daily life, mutual respect and empathy should guide interactions between communities.
