A video from an Airtel store in Charkop, Mumbai, has gone viral, igniting a fresh language debate. The clip shows a young employee refusing to speak Marathi despite a customer’s repeated requests. She questioned the necessity of using Marathi, insisting that she could communicate in any language.
The incident has triggered discussions on the importance of Marathi in Maharashtra. In the footage, the employee argues that language choice is a personal right, further fuelling tensions.
In response, Akhil Chitre from the Thackeray faction visited the store and confronted Airtel officials. He raised concerns about the company’s hiring policies and questioned whether Marathi-speaking employees were being sidelined. Chitre warned that if Airtel does not integrate Marathi into its operations, its outlets in Mumbai could face protests.
He stressed that at least 80 per cent of Airtel’s workforce in Maharashtra should be proficient in Marathi. He also demanded immediate action against employees who refuse to use the local language. If the issue remains unresolved, he hinted at stronger measures to ensure Marathi is respected in the state.
The controversy has sparked a heated discussion on social media, with strong opinions from those in favour and those not.
