Dubey vs Thackeray: Marathi-Hindi Clash Escalates as BJP MP Wields ‘Wikileaks’ in Fiery Political Showdown

Political Firestorm: Dubey’s ‘Wikileaks’ Gambit and the Language Flashpoint

Dubey vs Thackeray – In a move that has jolted Maharashtra’s political landscape, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has doubled down on his criticism of Raj Thackeray, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief, amid the intensifying Marathi-Hindi language row. Dubey shared a purported screenshot of a 2007 Wikileaks document referencing violence against Bihari students in Maharashtra, allegedly linked to MNS workers.

Dubey’s post on X (formerly Twitter) accused Thackeray of resorting to “thuggery” when public support wanes, especially ahead of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. He wrote,

“This is the Wikileaks of 2007. If Raj Thackeray does not get public support, he puts goons forward… thuggery is his sole purpose, which he does just before the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections out of fear of losing.”

The BJP MP from Jharkhand also challenged Thackeray to confront speakers of Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu, not just Hindi, if he truly believed in linguistic enforcement. His provocative remark “Tumko patak patak ke maarenge” sparked outrage across party lines.

Dubey clarified that his opposition was not against the Maratha community, which he called “always respectable,” but against what he termed “violent identity politics.” He cited historical contributions of Maratha leaders and emphasized unity over division.

Raj Thackeray’s Response and the MNS’s Defiant Stand

Raj Thackeray, known for his fiery rhetoric, had earlier advised MNS workers to “hit below the eardrum” of those who disrespect Marathi, but not to record videos of such incidents. This statement followed a series of violent episodes, including the assault of a Hindi-speaking shopkeeper in Mira Road and vandalism of a businessman’s office in Worli.

In response to Dubey’s challenge, Thackeray doubled down on his stance, asserting that Marathi pride must be defended, even if it means confrontation. At a recent rally with cousin Uddhav Thackeray, he said:

“Be it Gujarati or anyone else here, must know Marathi… but if someone shows useless drama, you must hit below their eardrums.”

Thackeray also issued a gag order to MNS leaders, instructing them not to speak to the media or post reaction videos online. This move was seen as an attempt to control the narrative and avoid further escalation.

Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of stoking language-based hatred and called Dubey’s remarks an insult to Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders demanded a formal apology and questioned the BJP’s silence on the issue.

Electoral Undercurrents and the Legacy of Linguistic Politics

The Marathi-Hindi row is not new to Maharashtra. Language has long been a political fault line, with parties like the MNS leveraging regional identity to consolidate support. The 2007 violence cited by Dubey was a flashpoint that led to widespread protests in Bihar and national condemnation.

With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections approaching, analysts believe the current controversy is part of a larger electoral strategy. Dubey accused the Thackerays of engaging in “cheap politics” to revive their voter base, while MNS leaders defended their actions as necessary for preserving Marathi culture.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attempted a balancing act, calling Dubey’s remarks “inappropriate” but clarifying they were directed at organizations, not the Marathi people. He reiterated the BJP’s respect for Maharashtra’s contribution to India’s development.

The row has also reignited debates around Hindi imposition, regional autonomy, and identity politics. With social media amplifying every statement, the issue has transcended state boundaries, drawing reactions from leaders in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

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