Bihari MP Threatens Raj Thackeray Over Attacks on Hindi Speakers
A fierce political battle has erupted between Bihar MP Pappu Yadav and Maharashtra leader Raj Thackeray. At the heart of the storm lies the long-standing language divide between Hindi-speaking migrants and Marathi-centric politics. The trigger this time? Allegations that workers of Raj Thackeray’s MNS assaulted a shopkeeper in Mumbai for not speaking Marathi.
Pappu Yadav, never one to mince words, publicly challenged Raj Thackeray and warned he would personally travel to Mumbai to confront him. The comment came in the backdrop of Maharashtra’s controversial Hindi policy, which had been rolled back after mass protests. The issue, deeply tied to identity politics, has now become a high-voltage North vs West face-off — one that could shape voter sentiment in the upcoming municipal elections.
Pappu Yadav Slams Raj Thackeray, Defends Migrants from Bihar & UP
Responding to reports of Hindi-speaking citizens being mistreated in Maharashtra, Pappu Yadav delivered a scathing message to Raj Thackeray. He accused Thackeray of promoting regional hatred, calling out what he described as repeated assaults on Hindi-speaking migrants, especially those from Bihar. His tone was direct and confrontational: “I’ll come to Mumbai and take down his arrogance.”
दिग्गज नेता और पूर्णिया से निर्दलीय सांसद पप्पू यादव ने राज ठाकरे को तगड़ा ललकारा है🔥
— Jaiky Yadav (@JaikyYadav16) July 5, 2025
आपको पता होगा कि आजकल महाराष्ट्र में हिन्दी भाषा बोलने वालों को निशाना बनाया जा रहा है, वहीं
अब पप्पू यादव ने इसका आरोप राज ठाकरे पर लगाते हुए कहा है कि
"मैंने राज ठाकरे को चैलेंज किया है,… pic.twitter.com/JoXej60lfh
He said the actions of MNS are not about language, but about intimidation. According to Yadav, it’s not just about cultural pride — it’s targeted aggression against the working-class backbone of cities like Mumbai, which runs on the sweat of migrants from Bihar, UP, and beyond.
Yadav’s stand struck a chord among many outside Maharashtra who feel alienated by the rhetoric around “sons of the soil.” His supporters hailed his remarks as a defense of national unity, while critics feared the outburst could worsen regional tensions.
Marathi Unity Meets Migrant Anger as Language Battle Escalates
While Pappu Yadav was calling out the alleged injustice, Raj Thackeray was busy leading a massive rally in Mumbai alongside Uddhav Thackeray. It was the first time in 20 years that the cousins had shared a stage — a symbolic moment powered by their successful pushback against the Hindi policy in schools.
The rally was framed as a celebration of Marathi pride, with fiery speeches attacking the state government’s alleged Hindi push. Raj Thackeray declared that even though they may not be in power, they command the loyalty of the streets. Uddhav hinted at a broader alliance between their factions, potentially shaking up the balance in upcoming elections.
The timing of Pappu Yadav’s challenge couldn’t be more explosive. While the Thackerays stoke regional pride, Yadav has cast himself as the voice of the Hindi-speaking migrant. Both sides are tapping into powerful emotional sentiments — identity, pride, and injustice — in a state that remains politically fluid.
This language war isn’t just about Hindi vs Marathi anymore — it’s about who controls the narrative heading into Mumbai’s most watched civic elections in years.
