BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, Lok Sabha MP from Jharkhand’s Godda, on Monday lashed out at Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over his controversial remarks urging party workers to beat non-Marathi speakers who "create drama" and to avoid recording such acts.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Dubey said, “You people are surviving on our money. What kind of industries do you have? If you are brave enough to beat Hindi speakers, then you should also beat those who speak Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu.”
Challenging Thackeray, Dubey added, “If you are such a big ‘boss’, step out of Maharashtra—come to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or Tamil Nadu—‘tumko patak patak ke maarenge’ (we will thrash you repeatedly).”
“We all respect Marathi and the people of Maharashtra, who fought for India’s independence. The BMC elections are approaching, which is why Raj and Uddhav are indulging in cheap politics. If they have the courage, they should go to Mahim and beat Hindi or Urdu speakers in front of the Mahim Dargah…” he further remarked.
Dubey’s comments came after Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray jointly addressed a mega victory rally in Mumbai on Saturday, celebrating the BJP-led Maharashtra government’s withdrawal of orders mandating a three-language policy in primary schools.
At the event, Raj Thackeray sparked fresh controversy by stating, “Be it a Gujarati or anyone else, they must learn Marathi. But there’s no need to beat people for that. However, if someone creates unnecessary drama, then yes—hit them below the ears. And remember: if you beat someone, don’t record it. Let the victim say they were beaten; you don’t need to announce it.”
