This Is Our Maharashtra”: Women Force Commuter to Speak Marathi in Mumbai Local On 19th July 2025
This is our Maharashtra”: Women force commuter to speak Marathi in Mumbai local train. Shocking language clash caught on video sparks public outrage
A heated argument broke out between women commuters in a Mumbai local train over language. What initially started as a dispute over a seat soon escalated into a tense regional confrontation. The altercation reportedly began in the ladies’ compartment when one woman objected to another not speaking in Marathi, turning the disagreement into a language-based conflict.
In a video now making the rounds on social media, a group of women can be seen confronting a non-Marathi-speaking passenger, demanding that she speak in Marathi while in Maharashtra. One of the women is heard saying, “This is our Maharashtra. Speak in Marathi or get out.”
While no physical altercation took place, the incident has sparked debate online about linguistic intolerance and the growing tension around regional identity in public spaces.
In a separate incident, a 16-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a man to death at a railway station after a dispute over a seat on a local train. The incident occurred at the Ghatkopar station on November 15, and the Kurla railway police took action on Wednesday by detaining the teenager and arresting his older brother.
According to the police, the victim, Ankush Bhagwan Bhalerao, was travelling on a fast train from Titwala to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus when he got into a quarrel with the teenager over a seat. The argument escalated, leading to the attack.
The police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
During the journey, a heated argument broke out between Ankush and the minor over a seat, and he slapped the boy.
In a disturbing incident that has gone viral and reignited the ongoing language debate in Maharashtra, a group of women in a Mumbai local train confronted a fellow passenger for speaking in Hindi, insisting she switch to Marathi. The heated exchange, caught on video by a bystander, shows the women yelling, “This is our Maharashtra, speak Marathi!” — a statement that has drawn sharp criticism and sparked public outrage across social media platforms.
The clash reportedly occurred during peak hours on a Central Line Mumbai local, when a female commuter, believed to be from North India, was having a conversation over the phone in Hindi. According to eyewitnesses, a group of 4 to 5 women took offense and began confronting her over the use of Hindi in what they described as “Marathi territory.”
The argument quickly escalated into a verbal assault, with one of the women even attempting to forcibly cut the passenger’s phone call. The victim was heard pleading, “Why can’t I speak in Hindi? It’s a national language.” In response, one of the women shouted:
“This is Maharashtra! If you live here, speak Marathi!”
The entire confrontation was captured in a 58-second video that has since gone viral, racking up over 1 million views within 24 hours on various platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
The video has sparked an intense debate about linguistic freedom, regional identity, and cultural coercion. Citizens across India have voiced concern about rising language intolerance in urban spaces like Mumbai, which is known for its multicultural character.
Political reactions have been swift:
- BJP MP Poonam Mahajan condemned the incident, calling it “unacceptable and divisive.”
- Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which has historically advocated for Marathi pride, defended the women’s sentiment but distanced itself from their method.
- Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad stated, “Mumbai belongs to every Indian. No one should be bullied based on language.”
The Government Railway Police (GRP) has taken cognizance of the video and said they are working to identify the individuals involved.
“We are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to eyewitnesses. If harassment is confirmed, strict action will follow,” a senior GRP official said.
A case could potentially be registered under sections related to public nuisance, harassment, and breach of peace.
Sociologists and urban studies experts have weighed in on the broader implications of the incident.
Dr. Sanjay Patil, a political analyst at Mumbai University, said:
“This isn’t just about a train fight — it’s about growing linguistic chauvinism. Mumbai is India’s most diverse city, and such incidents threaten its very spirit.”
Legal experts have also clarified that no citizen can be forced to speak a particular language, as the Indian Constitution grants the right to freedom of expression, which includes the use of any recognized language.
As the video continues to circulate, civil rights groups are calling for awareness campaigns to foster linguistic tolerance and inclusion in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the victim has not come forward yet, and authorities are encouraging her to file a formal complaint.
The incident stands as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between regional pride and national unity, and how public spaces must remain free from coercion, especially in a city as diverse and dynamic as Mumbai.
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