A fight in a Mumbai local train over a seat turned into a language controversy. The incident took place in the crowded ladies' coach on Central Railway (CR) on Friday evening, July 18.
A video of the argument went viral on social media. It showed six to seven women arguing over a seat. However, the fight took a sharp turn. One woman told another to speak Marathi. She said, “If you want to stay in our Mumbai, speak Marathi; otherwise, get out.”
Soon, other passengers joined the argument. The video continued to gain attention online. Officials confirmed that the matter is being investigated by the Government Railway Police and the Railway Protection Force.
The incident comes at a time when language tensions are high in Maharashtra.
Earlier, a shopkeeper in Vikhroli was attacked by workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. He had posted a WhatsApp status that they said insulted the Marathi-speaking community. In a video, the shopkeeper is seen being hit and forced to apologise.
On Friday, Raj Thackeray, the MNS chief, made a strong statement at a rally in Mira Bhayandar. He said that his party would shut down schools if Hindi was made compulsory for students in Classes 1 to 5. He was responding to a recent comment by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that Hindi would be taught in all state schools.
These events have added to the ongoing debate about language and identity in the state.