‘We’ll Thrash You Repeatedly…’: Fadnavis Rebukes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Over Explosive Comment

Controversy has erupted over Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey’s statement about Marathi people. On Tuesday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified the matter, saying that in his view, the remark was not directed at the Marathi community but rather at certain organisations that have fuelled the controversy.

Along with this, he advised Dubey, saying, “I believe Nishikant Dubey’s statement is not entirely appropriate.” He also recalled Maharashtra’s contribution to the nation’s development and said, “No one can deny or forget Maharashtra’s role in the country’s progress, and if someone does so, it is completely wrong.” CM Fadnavis further added, “In my opinion, making such statements is not right because the meaning they convey creates confusion in people’s minds.”

What’s the matter?

Fadnavis’ clarification came in response to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s reaction to a recent remark by MNS chief Raj Thackeray, which has triggered a political storm in Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray, while referring to people unwilling to speak in Marathi, had instructed his party workers: “Hit them, but don’t record videos.”

Nishikant Dubey’s strong response

In response, Nishikant Dubey, a BJP MP, said:

“What are you saying? Whose bread are you eating? You people are surviving on our money. What kind of industries do you have?

All the mines are in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. What mines do you have? All the semiconductor refineries are in Gujarat. If there's courage to attack Hindi speakers, then the same should apply to those who speak Urdu, Tamil, or Telugu.

If you’re such a big boss, then come outside Maharashtra — to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or Tamil Nadu. We will thrash you again and again.”