RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi's statement on the Marathi language has stirred a new controversy in Maharashtra. Speaking at an event in Mumbai's Ghatkopar, the RSS leader stated that to live in Mumbai, it is not necessary to be well-versed with the Marathi language.
Bhaiyaji Joshi's remark on the Marathi language has riled up the Opposition leaders in the state. Even the ruling BJP is finding it difficult to back Joshi's remark.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded to the RSS leader's remark in the state Assembly and made it clear that "Marathi is the language of Mumbai, Maharashtra and the state government."
"The Marathi language is a part of the culture and identity of the state, and it should be the duty of every citizen to learn it. The Marathi language will be respected and preserved in Maharashtra, and it is an integral part of our cultural heritage," Maharashtra CM said.
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Bhaiyaji Joshi, who spoke at an event in Ghatkopar, said, "Mumbai doesn't have a single language. Each part of Mumbai has a different language. The Ghatkopar area's language is Gujarati. So if you are residing in Mumbai, it is not necessary that you have to learn Marathi."
Interestingly, BJP leader and minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha was present on stage during Joshi's speech.
Notably, in a major policy decision, the Maharashtra government recently made Marathi compulsory in primary and secondary schools affiliated with ICSE and CBSE boards.
The RSS leader's statement was met with criticism from Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders.
Addressing a press conference in Thane, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned if one can say the same thing about Bengali in Kolkata and Tamil in Chennai.
Congress leader Nana Patole hit out at BJP and RSS, stating that the debate on language is being ignited to divert attention from issues like farmers and unemployment.
