'Separate Politics From Language...’ Ex-Marine Commando Praveen Kumar Teotia Tears Into Raj Thackeray On Maharashtra Language Row

In Maharashtra, a heated language war is starting up again because people are being attacked for not speaking Marathi in public.  In a harsh attack, Praveen Kumar Teotia, a former Marine Commando and 26/11 hero, said that Raj Thackeray and his party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), are encouraging linguistic radicalism in the name of regional pride.

#WATCH | Delhi: On the Marathi language row, ex-Marine Commando Praveen Kumar Teotia, who led the team during the counter-terrorist operations after the 26/11 attack at Mumbai's Taj Hotel, says, "When the 26/11 terrorist attack happened, their (MNS) so-called warriors hid and… pic.twitter.com/PYwA5Zt9IB

— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025

 Outrage is sparked by violent events

 Two very upsetting events that happened not long ago started the debate.  In one case, people who thought they were MNS workers beat up a bank worker for not replying in Marathi. 

An MNS member hit a shopkeeper on Mira Road several times for speaking Hindi in another video that went popular.  Babulal Khimji Chaudhary, the victim, said he was made fun of in front of customers just because he didn't speak Marathi every day.

 Police have filed formal complaints and sent notices to several suspects in the shopkeeper attack.  These events have brought up the long-running argument about whether language should be imposed or regional culture should be respected.

 The Strong Response from Ex-Commando

Praveen Kumar Teotia, who is from Uttar Pradesh and was given the Shaurya Chakra award for bravery during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, shared a very angry video in response to what happened.  He said, "During 26/11 in Mumbai, I saved more than 150 lives."  I'm from UP.  It hurts me to hurt Maharashtra.  Where were the people of Raj Thackeray at that time?  Language shouldn't be used to split the country apart.  "Smiles don't need words."

 People all over the country were moved by Teotia's words, especially those who value unity over language politics.

 MNS Stays Strong

MNS, on the other hand, keeps defending its effort to encourage people to use Marathi in public and official places.  Leaders of the party say they are protecting Maharashtra's linguistic heritage, but critics say that any cultural movement can't justify violence and vigilantism.

This isn't the first time MNS has caused trouble.  Under the guise of protecting Marathi culture, the party was involved in attacks on North Indian immigrants in 2008.

 Language or Breaking Up?

Legal experts say that India's Constitution protects the right to speak any language, which is especially important in a state like Maharashtra that has a lot of different languages and cultures.

 As the pressure on politicians and police grows, people all over the state want clear action and strong messages that words should not be used as a weapon.