A language controversy has escalated in Maharashtra involving the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and local communities over the use of Marathi. The dispute began when MNS workers assaulted a shopkeeper in Thane for refusing to speak Marathi, leading to protests and market shutdowns in the area. Subsequently, MNS workers vandalized the Mumbai office of entrepreneur Sushil Kedia after he posted on social media that he would not learn Marathi, tagging MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Mumbai Police registered a case and arrested five MNS workers in connection with the vandalism. Further tensions arose when Rahil Shaikh, son of MNS state vice president Javed Shaikh, was filmed drunk and half-naked verbally abusing Marathi-speaking social media influencer and actress Rajshree More after ramming his car into hers in Mumbai. An FIR was filed against Rahil Shaikh, who later admitted to consuming alcohol while driving and expressed regret for his behavior. Maharashtra police detained and later released him. The incident has drawn criticism from political leaders, including Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, who called for action against the individuals involved. In response to the ongoing conflict, MNS workers staged protests in Mira Road, Thane, to counter traders' rallies against the assault on the shopkeeper, resulting in several MNS workers being detained by police. The language row has become a politically charged issue in Maharashtra, with debates on regional language rights and political implications gaining prominence. Additionally, MNS workers vandalized a toll plaza in Washim district over grievances related to poor amenities and incomplete road work, further highlighting the party's aggressive tactics amid the language controversy.