'Why should I speak Marathi?' videotape from an Airtel store in Mumbai has gone viral | WATCH VIDEO
A videotape from an Airtel store in Mumbai has gone viral, showing a heated exchange between an hand and a client over the Marathi language. In the clip, the hand refuses to speak Marathi and questions
A videotape from an Airtel store in Mumbai has gone viral, showing a heated exchange between an hand and a client over the Marathi language. In the clip, the hand refuses to speak Marathi and questions, "Why should I speak Marathi? Where is it written that Marathi is obligatory in Maharashtra? "She further adds that Marathi isn't important to her. This is Hindustan, and people can speak any language they want."
Client alleges discourteous gesture
The client, who was reportedly raising a grievance, claimed that the hand not only dismissed his complaint but also cried at him. During the battle, the hand is heard saying, "Do you own Maharashtra? Will you decide where I can or can not work? Recording isn't allowed, or I'll call the police."
@airtelindia @Airtel_Presence @airtelnews look into the behaviour of your staff towards the client either remove this shit woman or face the backlash and boycott mind my words this behavior will ruin whole of the company in short span of time! @bhartiairtelfdn #Maharashtra https://t.co/BmnOpFuCtv
— Rishikesh_K901 (@kabra_rushikesh) March 12, 2025
Political leaders demand reason
The incident has touched off political counterreaction, with BJP MLC Chitra Wagh condemning the hand’s geste . Advertisement on X( formerly Twitter), she wrote, "The arrogance and discourteousness displayed at the Airtel gallery is inferior. Insulting Maharashtra and the Marathi language won't be permitted." Wagh demanded that Airtel issue a public reason on behalf of the hand and take way to insure similar incidents don't be again.
A debate sparked after an Airtel Employee declined to speak in Marathi
— deepankarthish (@deepankarthishb) March 13, 2025
Every state has a native Language
In which state you work learn that state native Language and try to talk in that language pls 🙏 #Pushpa2TheRule #Chaava #Rekhachithram #SankranthikiVasthunam #GoodBadUgly pic.twitter.com/M5Cedcjr80
Call for Marathi proficiency in Airtel stores
Emphasizing the significance of the Marathi language in Maharashtra, Wagh prompted Airtel to make Marathi proficiency a demand for workers."Everyone who is living in Maharashtra should know Mrathi or they should at least be willing to learn and admire it," she stated, If not. She also called for precedence hiring of individualities fluent in Marathi in Airtel stores across the state. Despite the growing contestation, Airtel has not issued an sanctioned statement regarding the incident.
