Viral Video: Ulhasnagar Viral Video: MNS Karyakartas Enter SBI Branch, Shout Slogans, Tear Displayed Pamphlets in English, Detained

A video from Ulhasnagar has gone viral, showing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers storming into an SBI branch and confronting bank staff over the use of English and Hindi instead of Marathi.

 The incident occurred amid growing tensions over linguistic pride and regional representation in official communication across Maharashtra

Kalesh b/w MNS Workers and SBI bank staff of Ulhasnagar over using Other languages instead of Marathi:
pic.twitter.com/1oLVRK3yyD

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) April 5, 2025

In the video, MNS workers are seen shouting slogans, tearing pamphlets and notices written in English, and demanding that all customer-facing materials and conversations be primarily conducted in Marathi, the state’s official language. The party workers accused the branch staff of sidelining the local language in a government-owned bank, calling it an insult to Marathi-speaking citizens.

The State Bank of India (SBI) staff, caught off guard, initially tried to calm the situation, but the aggression escalated, prompting a call to the police. Soon after, local law enforcement arrived and detained several MNS members involved in the protest. No injuries were reported, but the situation created a temporary disruption in banking operations.

MNS, known for its strong pro-Marathi stance, has frequently raised issues concerning the prominence of Marathi in official and commercial spaces. Speaking to the media after the incident, an MNS representative stated, “We are not against any language, but in Maharashtra, Marathi must come first. Public institutions must respect this.”

The video sparked mixed reactions online. While some lauded the MNS for protecting Marathi pride, others criticized the method and disruption caused in a public service setting.

Authorities have confirmed that further action will be taken after reviewing the CCTV footage and statements from bank employees.

Raj Thackeray Calls Off Marathi Language Agitation, Urges Government to Enforce Language Law

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has asked his workers to stop the movement being run by the party for compulsory use of Marathi language in banks and other establishments.

The letter reads, "I have seen a statement of the Chief Minister in which he has said… pic.twitter.com/mSbCGAKD7s

— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2025

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has officially asked party workers to halt their ongoing movement demanding the compulsory use of Marathi in banks and establishments. In a letter issued to his cadre, Thackeray referred to the Chief Minister’s recent statement warning against unlawful actions and clarified that MNS does not intend to break the law. However, he asserted that it is the government’s duty to ensure the implementation of existing language laws, adding, “I expect the government to follow the law regarding the use of Marathi language in all establishments across Maharashtra.”