Gujarati-Marathi clash in Mumbai Society over non-veg food, MNS steps in, police intervenes

A tense situation erupted at a housing society in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area when members of the Gujarati and Marathi-speaking communities clashed over the consumption of non-vegetarian food. The police had to intervene on Thursday evening after the dispute escalated and political workers from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) joined the fray.

The dispute began when some Marathi-speaking families alleged that Gujarati residents insulted them by calling them "dirty" because of their non-vegetarian food habits. Videos circulated on social media showed local MNS leader Raj Parte confronting society members and warning them against discriminating based on food choices.

Parte, while addressing residents, stated that while anyone could live and work in Mumbai, no one had the right to dictate what others should eat. He alleged that the Marathi-speaking families were being harassed and accused a nearby society of forcing Marathi residents to order food from outside as they were allegedly banned from cooking non-vegetarian meals at home.

Ghatkopar police were called to the scene and swiftly mediated between the parties. According to eyewitnesses, the police warned the housing society’s residents against mistreating Marathi-speaking families and stressed that legal action would follow if such incidents repeated. No formal complaint has been filed, but the police remain alert to prevent further tension.

Reacting strongly, Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar emphasized that disrespect based on language or cultural practices would not be tolerated. He said the Maharashtra government stands firmly for the respect of the Marathi language and culture and that any attempt to create linguistic divisions would be unacceptable.

The incident comes at a politically sensitive time with civic elections looming in Mumbai. Both MNS and the undivided Shiv Sena have historically raised concerns about Marathi-speaking people being allegedly denied housing or discriminated against due to their food habits, further intensifying the language and cultural debate in the city.