MNS Leader Threatens Maharashtra Bank Official Over Not Speaking Marathi, Says Will Teach “MNS Style”

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has once again sparked controversy in Mumbai over its aggressive enforcement of Marathi language use. An MNS leader reportedly threatened a bank official for not speaking Marathi, warning him that he would be taught a lesson “MNS style.” A video of the incident has now gone viral on social media.

The incident took place at the Bank of Maharashtra branch in Mahim, Mumbai. The video shows MNS secretary Anish Khandagle confronting and intimidating a bank employee after he refused to communicate in Marathi. Khandagle is seen asking the officer, “Don’t you know Marathi?” When the officer replied negatively, Khandagle continued, “Why not? You work in the Bank of Maharashtra in Mumbai, and you don’t know Marathi? If you want to stay in Maharashtra, you must learn Marathi.”

The Officer Responds
The bank employee explained that he was from Madhya Pradesh and that the Bank of Maharashtra is a nationalized institution. When asked where it was written that he must speak Marathi, Khandagle insisted, “Do you want it in writing? Wait, I will show you.” Turning to the camera, the MNS leader alleged that the officer had treated a customer seeking a loan arrogantly.

Refusal to Speak Marathi
The officer reportedly reiterated that he would not speak in Marathi. Khandagle then warned, “MNS will show you what happens next.” After the officer left, the MNS leader told another bank official that he wanted the officer transferred, adding, “I have asked the branch manager to transfer him, or we will stage a protest here tomorrow afternoon.”

Later, speaking to NDTV, Khandagle claimed that a woman and her son had approached the officer for a loan but received no assistance for over a month. He said that after repeatedly requesting the officer to speak Marathi, the employee finally issued a written apology. Khandagle added that the bank assured action would be taken against the official, and the MNS canceled its planned protest.

Past Controversies
MNS has been in the news before for similar incidents. Last year, party activists reportedly assaulted people for not speaking Marathi. Raj Thackeray has continued to voice his views on this matter, stating earlier this year that migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar must understand that Hindi should not be imposed on the state.