Pune, Maharashtra (March 15, 2025): A growing debate over the use of Marathi and Hindi in Maharashtra has intensified after multiple incidents surfaced on social media. The latest controversy erupted at a D-Mart store in Pune’s Wagholi area, where a video capturing a dispute between two customers has gone viral.
The footage shows a man refusing to speak Marathi when asked, insisting that he will speak only in Hindi. The man and his wife were standing in a checkout queue when another customer requested him to speak Marathi. In response, the man said, “Hindi hi bolenge” (I will speak only in Hindi). When asked again, he replied, “Nahi bolte” (I won’t speak). The argument escalated, with the man asserting that the video should not be recorded without his consent. Other shoppers stepped in to defuse the situation.
The video sparked strong reactions on social media. Some users supported the person demanding the use of Marathi, while others expressed mixed opinions. One user shared the video, writing, “Do not show any sympathy to outsiders living in Maharashtra. They may act sweet, but this is how they truly behave behind our backs. Marathi people must wake up.”
This controversy follows a similar incident at a telecom service provider’s customer service center in Mumbai. A video from the center showed a woman employee refusing to speak Marathi when a customer requested it. She was heard saying, “Why should I speak Marathi? Where is it written? We live in India.”
The video sparked outrage, leading to strong criticism. BJP leader Chitra Wagh also issued a warning after the incident.