Political Firestorm and Union Pushback: How Maharashtra Responded to the MNS Bank Campaign

Following a series of aggressive demonstrations by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers at bank branches across Maharashtra, demanding the implementation of Marathi in customer communication and signage, the incidents have sparked widespread concern. From Lonavala to Thane, multiple confrontations with bank staff have been reported, prompting sharp reactions from banking unions, civil society voices, and political leaders who have condemned the actions as coercive and unacceptable.

[Read our full coverage on MNS attacks here: MNS Campaign Turns Aggressive: How the Attack on Bankers Unfolded Across Maharashtra]

As MNS workers marched into bank branches and removed English signage while threatening staff, the reactions across Maharashtra have been swift but mixed. While unions voiced outrage, the Maharashtra state government eventually responded with warnings, and the Finance Ministry remained notably quiet.

Unions Condemn “Threatening Behavior”
Banking unions such as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and the All Officers of Bank of Maharashtra (AOBOM) condemned the incidents in strong terms.

“This was no awareness drive—it was coercion. Bankers who already use Marathi were unnecessarily harassed.”
— said Devidas Tuljapurkar, UFBU Convenor (Maharashtra), in a press release.

AOBOM’s formal complaint, dated April 3 and submitted to the Ministry of Finance, detailed incidents where MNS workers forcefully entered branches, removed English signage, and pressured staff.

Image: UFBU's official press release dated April 4, condemning the attacks and demanding strict legal action

Unions have emphasized that:

• 70–80% of public sector bank staff in Maharashtra communicate with customers in Marathi.
• RBI guidelines already mandate the use of regional languages in service and signage.

Government Finally Speaks—Cautions MNS
After sustained criticism, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis broke the silence on April 5.

Image: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on MNS campaign

He stated that: 

“There is nothing wrong in promoting Marathi, but strong action will be taken against those who take the law into their hands.”

Legal Action Still Limited
Despite the public outcry, FIRs have been limited:
Lonavala (April 2): A non-cognisable offence was registered after an MNS worker slapped a bank staffer.

Thane (April 3): An FIR was lodged against four people for attacking a security guard.

But unions allege that several other incidents have not led to police action, and they remain concerned about the lack of deterrents.

“We are public servants, not political targets. If this continues, who will ensure our safety?”

— A bank employee told Kanal

MNS Stands Firm, Defends Campaign
In a statement on April 5, Raj Thackeray defended the party’s campaign, calling it a “peaceful movement for linguistic justice.”

Image: MNS’s formal statement defending the campaign

“No damage was caused. No one was hurt. This is a movement to restore linguistic respect, and it will continue until Marathi gets its rightful place.”

He also claimed that banks ignore local Marathi-speaking candidates for recruitment and senior positions.

Social Media Divided, Society Urges Dialogue
Online reactions remain polarised. While some hailed the campaign as a necessary stand for Marathi identity, others criticised the aggressive tactics.

Image: Reactions on social media on MNS campaign
Civil society organisations and commentators urged dialogue over disruption, calling for enforcement of language policies through institutional means, not intimidation.

What Lies Ahead?
Unions have issued fresh demands:

• A central inquiry into all incidents
• FIRs against all attackers
• Security for bank branches
• Clear directives to prevent political interference in banks

Though the campaign has been paused, MNS has not withdrawn its core demands, and bank employees remain alert. With the Finance Ministry silent and political tensions simmering, the situation is far from resolved.