The controversy over Marathi language in Mumbai has intensified with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray demanding a sedition case against RSS leader Bhaiyaji Joshi for his "Marathi not necessary to live in Mumbai" remark.
Speaking to media outside Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray said, Joshi's statement reveals BJP and RSS' hidden agenda. He demanded a sedition case be filed against the RSS leader.
"Just as the Chief Minister said in the Legislative Council that Kortkar is a petty man, he should also say that Bhaiyyaji Joshi is a petty man. A case of sedition should be filed against Bhaiyyaji Joshi," he said.
Earlier today, responding to the RSS leader's statement, MLA Aaditya Thackeray stated, "Whether it's Maharashtra's language or Mumbai's language, it is Marathi. Many people come to our state from different regions, settle here, and bring their dreams with them. They contribute, they grow, and everyone is welcome. But the language of this land, of Mumbai, of Maharashtra, is Marathi. Just as Tamil is the language of Tamil Nadu and Kannada is the language of Karnataka, I want to emphasize that Marathi is the language of Maharashtra..."
Meanwhile, after facing flak from INDIA bloc leaders, Bhaiyaji Joshi took a u-turn from his previous statement and said, "Marathi is Mumbai's language, those coming from outside and speaking other languages should understand it."
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.
The controversy over Marathi language ignited from RSS leader Bhaiyaji Joshi's remark made in Mumbai's Ghatkopar.
Addressing an event, RSS leader 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."
