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MNS Language Protest in Maharashtra Banks: Is It Over?
A statewide protest led by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), advocating for the use of Marathi in banking services, was observed across several cities in early April 2025. In the days that followed, the activity gradually slowed, with no new incidents reported recently.
Author: Kalyani Mali
Published: April 8, 2025
The MNS-led campaign urging banks to use Marathi in customer service and signage made headlines across Maharashtra in early April 2025. Sparked by MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s Gudi Padwa rally speech, where he raised concerns over language representation in banking services, the movement quickly spread to various cities across the state. As detailed in the Kanal report, MNS workers visited multiple Public Sector Bank (PBS) branches, calling for greater inclusion of Marathi in verbal communication and display boards.
Early Signs: Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) Faced First Hit
Before the protests gained widespread attention, the first major incident happened on April 2 at a BoM branch in Lonavala. MNS workers questioned why Marathi was not used on display boards and by staff.
April 1: Protest Begins in Multiple Banks
On April 1, MNS workers, led by Thane District President Avinash Jadhav, entered several bank branches across various cities. They removed Hindi and English boards and insisted that only Marathi be spoken. A viral video showed MNS members telling bank staff, “Customers must be served in Marathi.”
BOMOA Chairman Confirms Agitation Has Ended
In a conversation with Kanal, Rajeev Tamhane, Chairman of the Bank of Maharashtra Officers’ Association (BOMOA), confirmed that the agitation has ended for now. He also mentioned that a letter was sent to the Chief Minister raising concerns about staff safety and requesting appropriate action.
Courtesy: Mr. Rajeev Tamhane
Letter from United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU)
The UFBU also wrote to the CM, raising concerns about the safety of bank staff after alleged intimidation by MNS workers. They urged immediate action, highlighting the need to protect employees and ensure smooth banking operations.
Courtesy: Mr. Devidas Tuljapurkar
The campaign led by MNS raised discussions around the role of regional languages in public services, especially in a culturally diverse state like Maharashtra. While the visible protests have reduced for now, the issue has opened up a wider conversation about communication practices in banking and the need for inclusive approaches. Going forward, continued dialogue between stakeholders may help address concerns without disrupting essential services or creating friction on the ground.