Click to play videoMumbai: With just one day to go before the deadline imposed by Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for conversion of shop signboards to Marathi in Mumbai, the trader community is displaying mixed reactions. While some have changed signboards, others have started showing resistance.
MNS President, Raj Thackeray had issued a diktat which stated that all shop signboards should be changed over from English into Marathi language.
"Those who are deliberately resisting and insulting Marathi pride need to be asked questions on your behalf," he had said.
A majority of shopkeepers in Mumbai have given into Raj Thackeray's demand of changing the signboards but some have shown resistance and have been warned. The reaction against traders who have shown some resistance has already been seen on Mumbai's streets and Mumbaikars can expect more attacks on shops in the coming days.
"Two days is what the shopkeepers have. Consider it a threat or whatever," Raj Thackeray stated.
It was the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai that had issued a notice under the Shops and Establishments Act to traders to convert signboards in Marathi earlier this month, but before the BMC could implement the order Raj Thackeray's MNS took charge.
However, some traders are still showing resistance and this is bound to provide Raj Thackeray an opportunity to rake up a controversy to disturb peace in Mumbai's market places.
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