'I'll Kick You': Raj Thackeray Warns Migrants From UP And Bihar Over Hindi Imposition

Mumbai: In a fiery rally here on Sunday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray fired a strong warning at people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. 

Speaking at a joint event with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Raj said migrants must not try to "impose" Hindi in Maharashtra. 

What did Raj Thackeray say?

Raj Thackeray said that while he did not hate the language, but he would "kick" people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh out of Maharashtra if they "try to impose Hindi".

"People from UP and Bihar should understand that Hindi is not your language. I don't hate the language... But if you try to impose it, I'll kick you. They're coming from all sides to Maharashtra and snatching away your share... If land and language are gone, you will be finished," Raj Thackeray said.

His blunt language, including saying he would "kick you" if Hindi was imposed, drew loud reactions from the rally crowd. He framed his message as a defence of the Marathi language and identity ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections on January 15.

Why is language a flashpoint?

Raj Thackeray said people from other states are coming into Maharashtra in large numbers. He claimed this, along with language imposition, threatens the local Marathi culture and the rights of the "Marathi manoos", a phrase often used to refer to Maharashtrians. He warned that if locals lose their land and language, they will be left with nothing.

At the same time, Raj Thackeray urged Marathi voters to unite and not miss the “last election” chance to protect their interests. 

"This is the last election for Marathi manoos. If he makes a mistake now, the battle (for Mumbai) will be lost forever," he said. 

He also gave instructions to party workers on monitoring polling day activities. 

"Today, this crisis has arrived at your doorstep... This is the last election for the Marathi man... If you miss this opportunity today, you will be finished. Unite for Marathi and Maharashtra. Mumbai was obtained through the sacrifices of so many people... What will we tell them?... The BLA (Booth Level Agents) appointed at 6 AM should be ready on election day... Be alert, be vigilant, don't be careless...If anyone comes to vote again, throw them out" he said.

What did Uddhav Thackeray add?

After Raj spoke, Uddhav took the stage to broaden the attack. He questioned whether the BJP wanted to rename Mumbai to "Bombay" and criticised the party for divisive politics ahead of the civic polls. 

Uddhav also accused the BJP of prioritising corruption over genuine nationalism, in remarks that echoed opposition concerns about the ruling party.

“The BJP has become a party which says corruption first, instead of nation first,” he added.