Marathi Language – News Analysis India

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray to Contest Municipal Elections Together, Announces Sanjay Raut

News Analysis India — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut announced that the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray are set to jointly contest municipal elections in at least four districts of Maharashtra. Discussions are underway regarding an alliance with the MNS. Raut stated that the Thackeray cousins will fight the municipal elections together in Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Kalyan-Dombivli, aiming for victory. He emphasized the strength of Marathi speakers’ unity, suggesting that no force can break the ‘Marathi Manus’ solidarity. This announcement follows their earlier joint efforts on the Marathi language issue, where they protested and succeeded in reversing the mandatory Hindi requirement in schools.

Raj Thackeray Responds to BJP MP’s Anti-Marathi Remarks with Strong Warning

News Analysis India — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray delivered a sharp rebuke to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey following Dubey’s controversial comments regarding violence against Hindi speakers in Maharashtra. Dubey’s statement, “Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge” (We will beat up Marathi people here), drew an immediate reaction from Thackeray.

Thackeray responded directly, stating, “A BJP MP said, ‘Marathi logon ko hum yahan pe patak patak ke maarenge’…You come to Mumbai. Mumbai ke samundar mein dubo dubo ke maarenge” (We will drown you in the sea of Mumbai). This statement reflects the escalating tensions surrounding language-based disputes.

At a public meeting in Mumbai, Thackeray emphasized that he did not intend to spark a language-based controversy. He added, “Beware, anything can happen with you. I am a Hindu but Hindi cannot be imposed on me. If anyone has a right over this region, it is we (Marathis). You are the sons of Maharashtra, others have come from outside. If someone comes here and does something a little too much, then beat them up.”

Meanwhile, Nishikant Dubey has stood by his controversial statements. He stated, “I am saying this again, I stand by my statements. This nation is diverse, and all its people have a strong affection for their region…If Maharashtra is a part of this country, then anyone can be settled anywhere in this country…But they beat up those who are Hindi language speakers…Even today, only 31-32% Marathi speakers live in Mumbai…I accept that Maharashtra has a huge contribution to the economy, I have huge respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”

Maharashtra Government Warns Against Language-Based Violence

News Analysis India — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, has issued a stern warning against any form of violence or hooliganism in the name of the Marathi language. Fadnavis emphasized that while pride in the Marathi language is acceptable, the government will not tolerate aggressive behavior or attacks based on language. He highlighted that the police have already taken action in a recent incident and that strict legal measures will be implemented against anyone who takes the law into their own hands. Fadnavis also expressed surprise at the disputes over Hindi, while many embrace English. Minister Yogesh Kadam and MLA Aaditya Thackeray also commented on the matter, emphasizing the importance of respecting the Marathi language and avoiding violence.

Everyone has to speak Marathi in Maharashtra: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

News Analysis India — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said that speaking Marathi was mandatory in the state, emphasising the government’s move to make the language compulsory in line with the implementation of the new education policy.

Speaking to reporters while attending the Mumbai Metro Line 7a tunnel breakthrough, Fadnavis spoke about the New Education Policy, stating, “We have already implemented the new education policy… As per the policy, we are attempting that everyone should know Marathi as well as the language of the country.”

He said that the policy encourages the use of one common communicable language across the country, and in Maharashtra, the government has already taken steps to ensure the use of Marathi.”With this, the centre ideated this policy so that there would be one communicable language in the country… However, in Maharashtra, we have already decided to make Marathi compulsory. Everyone has to speak Marathi in Maharashtra, but they can learn any other language if they want to,” the Maharashtra Chief Minister said.

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions on language use and linguistic policies in different states.

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In Maharashtra, cases of vandalism and harassment by politically backed groups were reported towards the non-Marathi speaking crowd.Earlier on April 2, Fadnavis stated that while there is nothing wrong with agitating for the promotion of the Marathi language in Maharashtra, it should remain within the bounds of the law.Fadnavis further warned that any individual or group resorting to unlawful actions would face appropriate legal consequences.

This statement came in the wake of an incident in which a security guard was allegedly assaulted by MNS workers for allegedly disrespecting the Marathi language.

Meanwhile, following this incident, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray asked his party workers to halt the agitation demanding mandatory use of the Marathi language in banks and other establishments across the state, as per an official statement from MNS.