Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 19: Union Minister and RPI (A) chief Ramdas Athawale has appealed for restraint in the escalating war of words between MNS president Raj Thackeray and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey over the Hindi-Marathi language issue in Maharashtra. Condemning both leaders for their inflammatory comments, Athawale warned that such rhetoric threatens Mumbai’s delicate social fabric.

“Statements like these can vitiate Mumbai’s atmosphere. Peace must be maintained. Speaking in this tone is simply not right,” Athawale said on Saturday, addressing the recent verbal exchange.

The row ignited after Dubey allegedly remarked, “Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge” (We’ll thrash Marathi people here), prompting a fierce rebuttal from Raj Thackeray, who said, “You come to Mumbai. Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge” (We’ll drown you in the waters of Mumbai).

Labeling both statements “highly objectionable,” Athawale remarked, “This is no way for leaders to talk. If someone wants to fight, they should go after terrorists in Pakistan, not disturb the peace of Mumbai.”

He also addressed Uddhav Thackeray’s criticism of the Election Commission for awarding the Shiv Sena name and symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction. “Legally, when two-thirds of elected representatives break away, that group is recognised as the original party. The Election Commission acted according to the law. Uddhav’s allegations are baseless—the EC isn’t a stone to be hurled at,” Athawale said.

On the Supreme Court petition filed against alleged MNS hooliganism, he said, “There’s no place for goondaism in Mumbai. While learning Marathi is commendable, taking the law into one’s hands isn’t. I hope the Supreme Court sends a strong message.”

Switching to the cricket field, Athawale spoke about the India-Pakistan match in the UK, connecting it to national security. “Tensions would’ve risen if the match was held in India, especially after Pakistan’s hand in the Pahalgam terror attack. PM Modi’s leadership ensured a strong response through surgical strikes. Just as our soldiers fight with courage, our cricketers should play with the same spirit,” he said.

He also weighed in on the Robert Vadra case, saying Rahul Gandhi’s defence of his brother-in-law is misplaced. “If Vadra has made money illegally, agencies must investigate. No one is above the law.”

Finally, commenting on the opposition alliance, he declared the INDIA bloc as weakening. “AAP has already exited. Mamata Banerjee and others might follow. By 2029, the alliance will collapse entirely. It lacks genuine strength,” Athawale claimed.