A fresh political storm has erupted in Maharashtra after RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi’s controversial statement suggesting that knowing Marathi is "not necessary" to live in Mumbai. Speaking at an event in Ghatkopar, Joshi emphasized Mumbai’s linguistic diversity, citing that different areas of the city speak different languages.
"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," Joshi remarked.
His statement has triggered backlash across party lines, with even BJP leaders finding it difficult to defend. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded swiftly in the Assembly, asserting that "Marathi is the language of Mumbai, Maharashtra, and the state government."
"The Marathi language is part of the culture and identity of the state, and it should be the duty of every citizen to learn it. Marathi will always be respected and preserved in Maharashtra," Fadnavis affirmed.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut slammed Joshi’s remark, questioning whether such statements could be made about Bengali in Kolkata or Tamil in Chennai. Meanwhile, Congress leader Nana Patole accused the BJP and RSS of using the language debate to divert attention from crucial issues like farmers' distress and unemployment.
Adding fuel to the fire, BJP Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha was present on stage during Joshi’s speech, further complicating the ruling party’s stance.
