Mumbai ‘Slapgate’ Attack on Hindi Speakers Sparks National Political Row

Indian politicians from rival parties have entered a growing dispute over an assault on Hindi-speaking Hindus in Mumbai that has been dubbed “Slapgate.” Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar said the victims were beaten "just because of the language they read or speak,” likening the incident to last year’s militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where pilgrims were shot after being asked their religion. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, addressing reporters in Jaipur, said periodic flare-ups over language or other identity issues are inevitable in a country as large and diverse as India, but called for dialogue to resolve the latest confrontation. Although police have not released full details of the Mumbai assault, the episode has reignited debate over linguistic nationalism in Maharashtra, where promotion of Marathi often collides with the city’s sizable Hindi-speaking population. Opposition parties have demanded swift action against the attackers and assurances of safety for linguistic minorities.