Amid ongoing tensions over language in Maharashtra, Bhojpuri actor and BJP MP Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as Nirahua, has thrown a direct challenge to the Thackeray cousins. Responding to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's (MNS) actions targeting non-Marathi speakers, Nirahua told reporters, “I do not speak Marathi. I speak Bhojpuri and live in Maharashtra. If you have the courage, try and drive me out.”