The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray criticized the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) for showing Marathi support only during elections. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently assured that Marathi would remain compulsory in the state, including on death certificates and receipts.
The party’s mouthpiece, Saamana, labeled the situation at Ghatkopar Hindu Crematorium as a betrayal and an attack on Marathi language and pride. It objected to official receipts being issued in Gujarati, contrary to regulations mandating Marathi and English on civic documents.
Questioning the decision to include Gujarati text, the editorial emphasized the importance of prioritizing Marathi. It warned against potential changes like renaming railway platforms and streets in Gujarati, stating that Marathi, as the language of icons, must be safeguarded in its home state.
The editorial highlighted the recent BJP-appointed “Hindu Marathi” Mayor post the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, accusing the BJP of discarding its “Marathi love” mask post-elections. It criticized the hypocrisy of promoting Marathi in speeches but using Gujarati in the crematorium.
Demanding the prevalence of Marathi from birth to death in the state, the editorial condemned the trend of exclusive colonies and urged support for the Marathi language against any attempts to belittle it. It questioned the loyalty of the Gujarati community towards Maharashtra and emphasized the need to resist any disrespect towards Marathi.
