Sandeep Deshpande Hits Back Amid Marathi vs Gujarati Row

The simmering tension between Marathi and Gujarati-speaking communities in Mira Bhayandar took a fresh turn after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande issued a sharp response to the protests staged by traders’ associations. The controversy began after MNS workers allegedly assaulted a group of sweet shopkeepers in Mira Road for not speaking Marathi.

In response to the incident, local traders’ organizations staged a protest yesterday, raising slogans and demanding action against MNS workers. The business community has also called for a bandh (shutdown) in protest. The associations alleged that the assault was unprovoked and driven by linguistic chauvinism.

Reacting to the backlash, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande took to X (formerly Twitter) and strongly defended the party’s actions. “If you are a trader, do your business peacefully — but don’t insult Marathi in Maharashtra. If you do, there will be consequences,” Deshpande warned.

He further added, “Don’t try to be our father… Mehta Bihta Ni,” using a sarcastic tone directed at Gujarati traders, which has further fueled the Marathi vs Gujarati debate.

Deshpande’s comments have sparked fresh outrage, with many accusing the MNS of promoting divisiveness. Meanwhile, supporters of the MNS argue that the party is simply standing up for the pride of the Marathi language in Maharashtra.

The situation in Mira Bhayandar remains tense, with both communities appealing for calm, even as political and linguistic fault lines continue to widen. Local authorities have increased police presence in sensitive areas and urged all parties to maintain peace.