A Western Railway ticket collector in Mumbai, Ashish Pande, is facing controversy for making remarks against the Marathi and Muslim communities. Pande, who is from Uttar Pradesh and lives in Vikhroli, Mumbai, allegedly stated that he would not support Marathi or Muslim businesses or use auto-rickshaws driven by people from these communities.
An audio clip of his comments was posted on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on September 22 at 5:33 PM, quickly going viral. The post received close to 1,000 reposts and over 130,000 views in just five hours, causing widespread public outcry.
"I don't give business to Muslims and Maharashtrians. I don't sit in autos of Muslims and Maharashtrians," the clip allegedly records Pande saying. The incident has stirred significant tension in Maharashtra, especially concerning the relationship between migrant workers and local communities.
In response, Western Railway issued a statement through its spokesperson, saying, "We take this matter very seriously. The staff member making such adverse comments about religious communities and Maharashtrians has been suspended immediately, pending an inquiry. A detailed investigation will be conducted to ensure accountability, and appropriate actions will be determined based on the findings to uphold our standards and ensure the integrity of our services."
Pande's remarks have been condemned by many, eliciting strong reactions particularly from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The political party, known for its focus on local rights, reportedly confronted Pande and warned him regarding his behavior.
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the relationship between migrant attitudes and Maharashtra’s local population. A social activist commented, "At a time when regional identity and social harmony are becoming increasingly crucial in Maharashtra, Pande’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the relationship between migrants and locals in the state."
An audio clip of his comments was posted on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on September 22 at 5:33 PM, quickly going viral. The post received close to 1,000 reposts and over 130,000 views in just five hours, causing widespread public outcry.
"I don't give business to Muslims and Maharashtrians. I don't sit in autos of Muslims and Maharashtrians," the clip allegedly records Pande saying. The incident has stirred significant tension in Maharashtra, especially concerning the relationship between migrant workers and local communities.
We take this matter very seriously. The staff commenting adversely about the religious community and Maharashtrians has been suspended immediately, pending an inquiry.
— DRM - Mumbai Central, WR (@drmbct) September 22, 2024
A thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure accountability. Appropriate actions will be determined…
In response, Western Railway issued a statement through its spokesperson, saying, "We take this matter very seriously. The staff member making such adverse comments about religious communities and Maharashtrians has been suspended immediately, pending an inquiry. A detailed investigation will be conducted to ensure accountability, and appropriate actions will be determined based on the findings to uphold our standards and ensure the integrity of our services."
Pande's remarks have been condemned by many, eliciting strong reactions particularly from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The political party, known for its focus on local rights, reportedly confronted Pande and warned him regarding his behavior.
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the relationship between migrant attitudes and Maharashtra’s local population. A social activist commented, "At a time when regional identity and social harmony are becoming increasingly crucial in Maharashtra, Pande’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the relationship between migrants and locals in the state."
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