Amid debates on making Marathi mandatory in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stressed the importance of honoring one’s mother tongue while denouncing violence or discrimination based on language. He warned against using force or intimidation in the name of linguistic pride, urging all residents to learn the local language. The government faced protests from rickshaw unions over mandating non-Marathi-speaking drivers to learn Marathi, leading to an extension of the compliance deadline.
Chief Minister Fadnavis, speaking on Maharashtra Day at Hutatma Chowk, defended the language mandate amid criticism. He responded to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s objections, asserting that Maharashtra has always been inclusive and welcoming to migrants. Fadnavis emphasized the importance of learning Marathi for all residents while condemning any form of violent politics, stating that Marathi can be easily learned without conflict.
Expressing gratitude to the Marathi diaspora worldwide, Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s historical significance and paid tribute to laborers on International Labour Day. He praised the labor force for their contributions to the state and the nation’s development. The Chief Minister painted an optimistic future for Maharashtra, emphasizing the state’s continued progress and growth.
