Amid escalating debate over the mandatory use of the Marathi language in Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Maharashtra Divas
stated that while everyone residing in Maharashtra should make an effort to learn Marathi, any form of violence, intimidation, or “Khall-Khatyak” style politics in the name of language is unacceptable.
Fadnavis further emphasized that Marathi is a “beautiful and simple” language, and residents should embrace it with pride. He firmly stated that violence, disputes, or hitting individuals because they do not know Marathi will not be tolerated, calling it against Maharashtra’s culture.
The government intends to help non-Marathi speakers learn the language rather than use force, aiming for integration over division. The statement was made on following the state’s directive making Marathi mandatory for auto and taxi drivers.Fadnavis also reaffirmed that Maharashtra is an inclusive state and criticized “narrow-minded” approaches that suggest outsiders cannot live there, reiterating that the state welcomes everyone while encouraging adoption of the local language.
News Edit KV Raman
