MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has raised serious concerns about an uptick in assaults targeting Marathi-speaking individuals in Maharashtra, attributing this surge to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) recent triumph in the state assembly elections. Raut alleges that a deliberate environment is being fostered to marginalize the ‘Marathi manoos’ and displace them from Mumbai and its surrounding regions.
Addressing the media on Friday, Raut highlighted a specific incident in Kalyan, Thane district, where a Marathi-speaking family was reportedly attacked by non-Marathi individuals. He described this event as the beginning of a broader conspiracy against the Marathi community.
“A conspiracy is being hatched to attack Marathi manoos. Kalyan was the start,” Raut stated. He further criticized the current state government, labeling it “inauspicious” in light of recent tragedies, including the death of 14 people in a collision between a navy craft and a passenger ferry. Raut also pointed to rising criminal activities in rural areas, suggesting a decline in law and order.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader accused the BJP of intentionally weakening the Shiv Sena, an organization representing the Marathi populace, to render them second-class citizens. He claimed that this strategy aims to transfer control of Mumbai and adjacent areas to non-Marathi builders and businessmen.
In response to the Kalyan incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured that the attack on the Marathi family would be thoroughly investigated, promising action against the perpetrators regardless of their status. “No matter how senior the officer (accused) is, action will be taken. The honour of the Marathi people will be maintained in the state,” Pawar affirmed.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from various political figures. Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Aaditya Thackeray demanded stringent measures against those fostering anti-Marathi sentiments, urging the government to revoke occupancy certificates of builders promoting such biases. He emphasized, “Mumbai first belongs to Maharashtra and then to India. People from across the country settle here and live happily, but when someone tries to snub the Marathi identity, the youth will not stay silent.”
As tensions escalate, the state administration faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and ensure the safety and dignity of the Marathi-speaking community in Maharashtra.
Source: Web Team, C6N
 leader Sanjay Raut alleges increased attacks on Marathi-speaking individuals post-BJP's Maharashtra election victory, citing incidents like the Kalyan assault and accusing the government of fostering an anti-Marathi environment.){kind=link}