NEW DELHI: Senior leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bhaiyyaji Joshi, clarified on Thursday that his comments regarding the Marathi language were misunderstood.
"In light of one of my statements, a confusion has arisen. There is no doubt that the language of Mumbai is Marathi. Since Mumbai is situated in Maharashtra, it follows that the language spoken there is Marathi. Various languages are utilized across India, and many individuals speaking different languages reside in Mumbai. Thus, it is a reasonable expectation for them to learn, comprehend, and engage with Marathi," the RSS leader stated in an interview with ANI.
He further emphasized Mumbai’s exemplary role in linguistic coexistence, asserting, "I believe it is a remarkable representation of harmony that individuals speaking numerous languages in India can live together. I think Mumbai serves as a prime example of this. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to expect that anyone moving to Mumbai should be able to understand, speak, learn, and read Marathi. That is the fundamental expectation."
Joshi also mentioned that while Marathi is his mother tongue, he holds all languages in high regard. "I can’t say more than this: my native language is Marathi. However, I respect the existence of all languages… I urge everyone to perceive it from this perspective," he added.
Earlier, during an event in Mumbai, RSS senior leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi stated that newcomers to the city are not obligated to learn Marathi. He characterized Gujarati as the "language of the Ghatkopar area in Mumbai."
"It is not essential for everyone to be acquainted with Marathi," Joshi stated.
In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray remarked, "Individuals from outside come to our state and settle here. However, the language of this land is Marathi, akin to how Tamil is in Tamil Nadu and Kannada is in Karnataka. The BJP’s ideology is one of undermining Maharashtra."
"Yesterday, Suresh Bhaiyyaji claimed that the language in Ghatkopar might be Gujarati, but that is simply not accurate. The language of Mumbai is Marathi. This government even put a stop to the Marathi Bhasha Bhavan in Mumbai because they wish to disrespect Maharashtra and the Marathi language," Thackeray added.
This issue sparked considerable debate in the Maharashtra Assembly today, which was adjourned for five minutes following heated discussions between the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT). Addressing the Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis underscored, "In Mumbai, Maharashtra, and the State government’s language is Marathi, and it is imperative for individuals residing here to learn it."
"Marathi embodies the culture and identity of the state, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to acquire knowledge of it," asserted the chief minister and BJP leader.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has called for a sedition case to be filed against Rashtriya Bhaiyyaji Joshi for his statements. "A sedition case should be initiated against Bhaiyyaji Joshi," Uddhav Thackeray expressed to reporters.
