Families of Air India crash victims allege compensation coercion, Shobhaa De exclusive and more
The second story addresses the escalating Marathi language conflict in Mumbai, triggered by a video of MNS workers assaulting a shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi. This incident has sparked reactions from various political figures in Maharashtra and criticism from those opposing the use of violence to enforce language. The MNS defends the action as a 'fight between youngsters,' while author Shobhaa De condemns the violence and warns against using language as a political tool. The debate has also led to discussions on Mumbai's changing demographics, the status of Marathi speakers, and the implications of language vigilantism on the city's multicultural fabric.
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Hindustan Times
26 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Hit below… Don't shoot video': Raj Thackeray to MNS workers amid Marathi row
After two decades of political estrangement, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray shared a stage in Mumbai in a rare display of unity amid the Marathi row in Maharashtra. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray in Mumbai.(PTI file) The event in Worli was called to celebrate the Maharashtra government's rollback of an order regarding the "imposition" of the Hindi language. Addressing the event, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray responded to the ongoing language row and criticism against his party workers. He told MNS workers "not to assault people for not speaking Marathi." Also Read: 'So what?': Raj Thackeray cites uncle Balasaheb's English medium school example amid Marathi pride debate The MNS leader, however, said if someone shows useless drama, 'you must hit below their eardrums'. "Be it Gujarati or anyone else here, must know Marathi, but there is no need to beat people for that if they don't speak Marathi. But if someone shows useless drama, you must hit below their eardrums," Raj Thackeray said. He also advised against recording the video of the incident, saying, "Let the person beaten up tell that he has been beaten up." "I tell you one more thing: if you beat someone, don't make a video of the incident. Let the person beaten up tell that he has been beaten up, you don't need to tell everyone that you have beaten someone," he added. The remark comes after the Maharashtra government in April this year implemented a three-language policy making Hindi mandatory as a third language in primary schools. The move drew huge backlash from the Opposition and language advocacy groups, following which it was revoked. Raj cites Balasaheb's English medium example Raj Thackeray also emphasised that there was no link between Marathi pride and an English-medium education. The MNS leader went on to cite the example of Dada Bhuse, who studied in Marathi schools and later became a minister in the Maharashtra cabinet. Also Read: 'Yes, we are goons… slap but don't make video' : Uddhav and Raj at Thackeray reunion rally over 'Marathi pride' "They say that our children have learnt in English medium schools. So what? Dada Bhuse studied in Marathi schools and became a minister. Devendra Fadnavis studied in an English-medium school and became the Maharashtra CM. So what?" he said. He went on to add that his father Shrikant Thackeray and uncle Balasaheb Thackeray also studied in English medium schools. "Can anyone raise a question about their love for Marathi? Tomorrow, I will learn Hebrew also. Will anyone raise a question about my pride in Marathi?" he asked. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said he and Raj have come together to stay united and to capture power in the Mumbai civic body and Maharashtra.
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Evening news wrap: Thackeray brothers unite after 20 years; Bilawal Bhutto says Pak open to extraditing terrorists; and more
In a rare show of unity, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared a stage after 20 years, vowing to 'stay together' and accusing the BJP-led Maharashtra government of undermining Marathi culture and shifting businesses to Gujarat. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Islamabad may extradite terror accused like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar if India cooperates, but India maintains it has already provided sufficient evidence post-26/11. In other news, Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive Nirav Modi, was arrested in the US in the PNB scam case, with a status hearing set for July 2025. The Calcutta high court ordered cricketer Mohammed Shami to pay Rs 4 lakh monthly alimony to his estranged wife Hasin Jahan. And PM Modi, on a five-nation tour, landed in Argentina after 57 years, focusing on lithium, energy, and defence cooperation, with a visit planned to the Boca Juniors Stadium. Thackeray cousins reunite: Uddhav and Raj vow to 'stay together' Raj praised the unity of Marathi people and took a swipe at CM Devendra Fadnavis, crediting him for reuniting the brothers — something even Balasaheb couldn't achieve. Both leaders accused the BJP-led government of sidelining Marathi identity and shifting key businesses to Gujarat, calling the move an attack on Maharashtra's backbone and culture. Read full story 'No hurdle if India cooperates': Bilawal open to extraditing Hafiz, Azhar Speaking to Al Jazeera, Bilawal stressed the need for a comprehensive dialogue on terrorism. He claimed India hasn't fulfilled procedural requirements, including producing witnesses in Pakistani courts. India, however, maintains it submitted ample evidence after the 26/11 attacks, which Pakistan ignored. He warned against India's 'new abnormal' stance. Read full story Nehal Modi arrested in US: Nirav's brother held in PNB scam case Nehal faces charges of money laundering and criminal conspiracy. Authorities allege Nehal helped launder funds, destroyed evidence, and shifted gold and cash from Dubai. The ED claims he directed dummy directors to hide his identity and moved illicit funds via shell firms. He is also accused of aiding Nirav's illegal activities. A status hearing is set for July 17, 2025. Read full story Shami ordered to pay Rs 4 lakh monthly alimony: Calcutta HC overturns lower court relief for Hasin Jahan The case, under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, must be resolved within six months. The previous lower court award of Rs 50,000 and Rs 80,000 was overturned. Following the order, Jahan criticised Shami on Instagram, accusing him of pride and neglect. The court clarified Shami may voluntarily support his daughter's additional expenses if he wishes. Read full story PM Modi in Argentina after 57 years; lithium, energy, and defence on agenda PM Modi's agenda also includes a visit to Boca Juniors Stadium. This is the third stop on his five-nation tour, after Trinidad and Tobago, where he received the country's highest civilian honour. His next destinations include Brazil for the BRICS Summit and Namibia. Argentina, part of the Lithium Triangle, is vital for India's clean energy goals. Read full story
NDTV
39 minutes ago
- NDTV
'Bal Thackeray Must Be Blessing Me': Devendra Fadnavis' Jibe At Uddhav, Raj
Choosing to respond with sarcasm after the Thackeray cousins' 'Voice of Marathi' rally on Saturday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said Bal Thackeray must be showering him with blessings for bringing them together. The BJP leader's statement was a reference to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray's remark at the event that, by bringing the cousins together, Mr Fadnavis had done what Bal Thackeray and many others could not. Mr Fadnavis did not spare Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) president Uddhav Thackeray either, remarking that his speech at the rally was less about Marathi and more about how the government led by him was toppled after a rebellion in 2022. "I was told it was supposed to be a 'vijay' (victory) rally, but it turned out to be a 'rudali' (mourning) speech," he said. The rally - organised to celebrate the Maharashtra government withdrawing orders on the implementation of the three-language policy in the state, which the opposition had termed 'Hindi imposition'. saw Uddhav and Raj Thackeray sharing a stage at a political event for the first time since they had a falling out in 2005. In a speech in Marathi after the cousins hugged and held each other's hands aloft, Raj Thackeray said, "What Bal Thackeray could not do, what many others could not do, Devendra Fadnavis did - bring us together... You may have power in the Vidhan Bhawan, we have power on the roads," "The Maharashtra government rolled back the decision on the three-language formula due to the unity shown by the Marathi people. Try to touch Maharashtra and see what happens," he added. Speaking after the MNS chief, Uddhav Thackeray said the "distance" between them had been removed. Mr Thackeray also went on to hit out at the BJP and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whose rebellion led to a split in the Shiv Sena and the fall of his government, terming him a traitor and accusing him of disrespecting Marathi. Asked about the event later on Saturday. Mr Fadnavis said Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, who was Uddhav Thackeray's father and Raj Thackeray's uncle, must be giving him his blessings. "I am grateful to Raj Thackeray that he gave me credit for bringing them together. Balasaheb Thackeray must be showering me with blessings," he said. "I was told it would be a victory rally, but it turned out to be a 'rudali' (mourners') speech instead. Instead of talking about Marathi, he (Uddhav Thackeray) kept speaking about how his government fell and blaming other people. It was like getting a 'rudali darshan' (witnessing mourning)," the chief minister mocked. Mr Fadnavis said the Shiv Sena had control over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for 25 years, but achieved nothing. "The BJP, under PM Narendra Modi, has changed the face of Mumbai and the Marathi 'manoos' (people) are with us. We have worked for the rights of the Marathi people," he said.
