NEW DELHI: At the press briefing following the three-day RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak held in Delhi, RSS Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar emphasized India’s linguistic diversity and dismissed any notion of a singular national language. He stated:
“Hindi, Tamil, Marathi or Assamese, all are national languages. India’s soul lies in its linguistic diversity.”
The meeting focused on preparations for RSS’s centenary in 2025–26, enhancing social consciousness, and increasing outreach across all Indian states in local languages. Ambekar said that vernacular languages will be integral to the RSS’s outreach and expansion strategy in the coming year.
#WATCH: RSS on Language
“Hindi, Tamil, Marathi or Assamese — Each is Bharat’s soul.”
All Indian languages are national languages, says @SunilAmbekarM , Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, RSS.
India’s unity lies in its linguistic diversity — not dominance.@rohanduaT02 reports… pic.twitter.com/TutBTIWTPS
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) July 7, 2025
Maharashtra Language Controversy: Raj Thackeray Says “Hit Below… Don’t Shoot Video”
While the RSS promoted linguistic harmony, Maharashtra was gripped by language-related tensions, especially after a joint rally by Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray in Worli, Mumbai. Speaking on stage, Raj Thackeray lashed out at the imposition of Hindi, saying:
“All the Hindi-speaking states are behind us… yet we are being forced to learn Hindi.”
More controversially, he instructed MNS workers:
“Hit below… don’t make a video.”
This remark came in the wake of MNS supporters being caught on camera slapping and threatening shopkeepers and vendors for not speaking Marathi, triggering public outrage.
#FLASH:📍Today at Keshav Kunj, Delhi: RSS wrapped up its 3-day Prant Pracharak Baithak with 233 senior swayamsevaks. 🧵
Focus: Centenary year prep, Ghar-Ghar Sampark, Hindu Sammelans & grassroots outreach. @RSSorg
“Efforts to connect all sections of society will intensify.” —… pic.twitter.com/jqGvu5wxii
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) July 7, 2025
Recent MNS Attacks on Non-Marathi Speakers
Over the past month, several disturbing incidents linked to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have surfaced, highlighting growing hostility toward non-Marathi speakers in the state.
In Mira Road, a sweet shop employee was brutally assaulted simply for responding in Hindi instead of Marathi. The shocking attack was caught on video and quickly went viral, drawing widespread outrage. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against the attackers following the incident.
In another alarming episode in the Thane-Bhayander area, MNS workers publicly slapped a street vendor for speaking in Hindi. The incident, also caught on camera, added to mounting concerns about the MNS’s aggressive stance on language identity.
In a particularly bizarre and troubling case, Rahil Sheikh, son of MNS leader Javed Sheikh, was recorded rampaging half-naked and in an intoxicated state. He was seen abusing a Marathi-speaking woman and vandalizing her car, underscoring a pattern of unchecked hooliganism within certain party circles.
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Condemnation by Political & Civil Society
The incidents have drawn widespread condemnation from both political leaders and civil society. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam sharply criticized Raj Thackeray, accusing him of endorsing violence and likening the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to a street gang.
Former Navy commando and Kargil war hero Praveen Teotia also spoke out against the MNS, condemning its members for their thuggish behavior and divisive tactics. Meanwhile, social media platforms have erupted with outrage, with many users referring to the spate of attacks as a form of “language lynching,” expressing concern over the growing trend of linguistic intolerance in Maharashtra.
While RSS reaffirmed its belief in India’s multilingual fabric and rejected the idea of a singular national language, the violent actions and inflammatory statements from MNS in Maharashtra reflected an alarming contrast.
This highlights a growing fault line in Indian politics — between the inclusive promotion of India’s diverse languages and the weaponization of language identity for regional political gains.
