Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray defends Marathi identity, says “can’t control sporadic incident”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday dismissed claims of widespread “Hindi imposition” in Maharashtra, saying isolated incidents should not be sensationalised and highlighting Mumbai’s tradition of inclusivity.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Thackeray said, “You can’t control every sporadic incident, when someone gets angry at someone else over abuse. There will be a natural reaction, if at all. It’s a sporadic reaction.”

Questioning the selective focus of public discourse, he added, “Why don’t you show the incidents where people from Mumbai or Marathi people have been denied a house because they are non-vegetarians? They’re told that they’re ‘dirty’ because they eat meat and fish.”

Highlighting Mumbai’s inclusive character, Thackeray said the city has always welc