GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 5th July: Five Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supporters were detained on Saturday for allegedly attacking the office of investor Sushil Kedia in Mumbai’s Worli area. The incident followed a controversial social media post by Kedia in which he declared he would not learn Marathi and challenged MNS chief Raj Thackeray with the remark: “Kya karna hai bol?”
Videos of the attack quickly surfaced on social media, showing MNS supporters hurling coconuts at the glass entrance of Kedia’s office while shouting slogans in support of Raj Thackeray and the Marathi language. Security personnel were seen trying to prevent the vandalism, while office staff attempted to pull down shutters for safety.
Kedia’s Post Sparks Backlash
The backlash was triggered by Kedia’s reaction to reports of people being attacked in Maharashtra for not speaking Marathi, amidst a wider row over the now-rolled-back three-language policy in schools that made Hindi mandatory. In a now-deleted X post, Kedia wrote:
“I don’t know Marathi properly even after living for 30 years in Mumbai & with your gross misconduct I have made it a resolve that until such people as you are allowed to pretend to be taking care of Marathi Manus I take pratigya I won’t learn Marathi. Kya karna hai bol?”
His remarks were viewed as a direct provocation to Raj Thackeray, who has often advocated for the primacy of the Marathi language in Maharashtra.
Apology and Retraction
Hours after the attack, Kedia issued a public apology, saying he had “overreacted” under stress and mental pressure from recent incidents involving violence over language. In a video message, he admitted:
“I realise I must take back my over-reactions and withdraw. Even after living for 30 years in Mumbai, the fluency that a native Marathi speaker has is difficult to match. That has caused avoidance of speaking the language formally.”
Kedia also expressed admiration for Raj Thackeray, crediting him for taking strong stands on issues like the Hanuman Chalisa campaign, Hindutva, and nationalism. He clarified that his anger was not personal, but a reaction to the perceived cultural pressure.
Police Action
Police officials from Worli confirmed that five MNS supporters have been detained and are being questioned. “They were brought to the police station for further legal action,” a police official said.
Earlier, anticipating backlash, security was deployed at Kedia’s office near Century Bazar after his post began attracting widespread attention and condemnation from MNS supporters.
An investigation is ongoing.
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