MNS assault on non-Marathi-speaking shopkeeper sparks political row in Maharashtra

A viral video showing a shopkeeper being repeatedly slapped for not speaking Marathi has sparked a political controversy in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is under fire for the assault, with state minister Nitesh Rane criticizing the party for targeting 'innocent Hindus'. Rane challenged the MNS to impose Marathi on Muslim-dominated areas, stating they lack the courage to do so. The incident has led to protests by traders and opposition parties. The government has registered an FIR and begun an investigation. The controversy comes amid the ongoing budget session of the Maharashtra Assembly and ahead of upcoming municipal elections in Mumbai.