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Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra — A video showing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers storming into a State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Ulhasnagar and threatening staff for not speaking Marathi has gone viral, sparking outrage and concern over linguistic extremism.
In the viral footage, several MNS members can be seen aggressively confronting bank employees, issuing warnings that Marathi must be spoken by all staff working in Maharashtra. One of the MNS workers is heard saying, “This is Maharashtra. You have to speak Marathi. If not, be ready to face consequences.” The group further demanded that signage and communication in the branch be made available in Marathi.
According to reports, the confrontation took place earlier this week when the MNS workers entered the bank without prior notice. The SBI staff, visibly shocked and uncomfortable, refrained from engaging in arguments, attempting to deescalate the situation while being recorded.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions online. While some social media users supported the call for promoting Marathi in the state, a larger section criticized the MNS’s intimidation tactics. Many questioned the legality and ethics of enforcing language preferences through threats.
This is not the first time the MNS has taken a hardline stance on the use of Marathi. Founded by Raj Thackeray, the party has a history of demanding priority for Marathi in public and private sector operations within Maharashtra. However, the manner in which these demands are being enforced is increasingly being viewed as coercive and counterproductive.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any formal complaint has been filed by the bank or if legal action will be taken against the individuals involved. Human rights and civil liberty advocates have called on law enforcement to take a stand against such intimidation, emphasizing that employees in national institutions like SBI should be allowed to operate without fear.
As the video continues to circulate online, pressure mounts on both the state government and law enforcement to address the growing concerns over linguistic vigilantism and ensure that the rights of citizens and employees are protected, regardless of their language preferences.
