What began as a routine argument over a seat in a Mumbai local train quickly escalated into a heated language dispute, with one woman reportedly telling another to “speak Marathi or get out.” The incident, which took place aboard a CSMT-Khopoli local train on the late evening of July 18, has gone viral on social media, reigniting ongoing tensions over language in Maharashtra.
According to Central Railway officials, the altercation began at Byculla station and continued until Mulund, where railway staff attempted to intervene. However, due to the heavy crowd in the women’s compartment, officials were unable to reach the complainant.
A video circulating on various social media platforms shows several women engaged in a verbal argument — a common occurrence on Mumbai locals. But the exchange took a divisive turn when one woman criticized another for not speaking Marathi, stating, "If you want to stay in our Mumbai, speak Marathi; otherwise, get out."
The incident comes amid ongoing language tensions in the state. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any official complaints have been filed regarding the altercation. The remarks drew mixed reactions from other passengers, with more women joining the debate, turning the quarrel into a broader discussion on language and identity.
A Central Railway official clarified, “The matter is rooted in a disagreement over language, specifically between Marathi and Hindi speakers. It is not related to the services or operations of Indian Railways.”
