5 hours ago
Last Updated:July 05, 2025, 10:18 IST
Chirag maintained that 'unity in diversity has been our identity' but also asked people to show mutual respect.
Chirag Paswan joins Emergency debate (PTI Image)
Union Minister Chirag Paswan reacted to the assault of a shop owner in Maharashtra, allegedly for not speaking in Marathi.
Paswan condemned the incident on Friday and said, “It is beyond my understanding how many divisions will be created among Indians — sometimes in the name of region, sometimes language, religion, or caste."
His remark came while he was speaking to reporters in Vaishali. He also asked people to be sensitive and have mutual respect while advocating for pride in one’s mother tongue.
“I support the idea that your mother tongue should be your pride, but there needs to be enough sensitivity that if someone from outside does not understand it, it does not mean we become so intolerant and start resorting to violence," he added.
Talking about India being a diverse and multicultural country, he stated that there are different languages and cultures across the nation, from north to south and east to west.
Unity in diversity has always been our identity, the Union Minister mentioned.
“But some leaders, to fulfill their ambitions, engage in such divisive politics, and I condemn this," he added.
His remarks came amid the political uproar over a video on social media that shows MNS workers confronting a shop owner and questioning why speaking in Marathi should be compulsory in Thane.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also took cognisance of the matter and said on Friday that Marathi should be respected without resorting to violence.
“We respect Marathi, but violence in its name won’t be accepted. Strict action will be taken against those resorting to violence. No language in India will be allowed to be disrespected," he said while addressing the media.
“The police have filed an FIR and taken action on the incident, and if anyone creates such a language dispute in future, legal action will be taken. We are proud of our Marathi, but injustice cannot be done to any language of India in this manner; we will have to keep this in mind. And sometimes I am surprised that these people embrace English and create disputes over Hindi. What kind of thinking is this, and what kind of action is this? Therefore, strict action will be taken against those who take the law into their own hands," Fadnavis added.
Location : First Published:News politics 'How Many Divisions...?': Chirag Paswan Amid Marathi Row, Condemns Assault On Thane Shopkeeper
