A social media post by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande has triggered a major political debate in Maharashtra ahead of the BMC elections. In the viral post, Deshpande is seen wearing a shirt carrying a provocative message warning against insulting the Marathi language. The statement quickly sparked controversy, leading to a poster war and sharp reactions from rival political parties. The issue has once again brought the Marathi language and identity politics to the centre of Maharashtra’s political discourse. With the BMC elections approaching, the incident is being seen as a move that could influence voter sentiment and electoral dynamics in Mumbai. The controversy has added fresh heat to the already charged political atmosphere in the state.


