Amidst the escalating language dispute in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has urged non-Marathi speaking residents of the state to show respect for the Marathi language and make an effort to learn it. He stated that sensitivity and respect towards the language of the state in which we reside is crucial for social harmony.
Learning Marathi Will Promote Social Harmony
Speaking at an event on Thursday, Ajit Pawar said that if someone living in Maharashtra cannot speak good Marathi, it would not be a problem. But if they show that they respect the Marathi language and are trying to learn it, it will send a positive message in the society.
He further added that such small but significant steps can be helpful in reducing the atmosphere of conflict that is developing in the state regarding language. According to Pawar, respecting the language not only values the local culture but also strengthens mutual understanding and cooperation.
Language Dispute Gains Momentum
Ajit Pawar's comment comes at a time when the dispute over linguistic issues in Maharashtra is increasing. The matter became even more serious when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey made a comment about Maharashtrians in a speech, saying "will beat them repeatedly." This caused an uproar in Parliament, and female MPs from Maharashtra registered their protest. After pressure, Dubey withdrew his statement and apologized by saying "Jai Maharashtra."
The root of this dispute is linked to a speech by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, in which he warned non-Marathi people by saying "will drown and kill them." Raj Thackeray has long been vocal about the issue of 'Bhoomiputra' (sons of the soil) and Marathi identity, and now he has also included language in his agenda.
Three-Language Policy Also Became a Cause of Controversy
The debate about language in the state intensified further when the government decided to implement a three-language policy from first to fifth grade. Under this, it was made mandatory to teach Hindi along with Marathi. Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) and MNS opposed this in one voice.
Due to pressure from the opposition, the government had to withdraw this decision, but this whole dispute further deepened the tension between Marathi and non-Marathi communities. Incidents also came to light from many places where non-Marathi citizens were beaten up for not being able to speak Marathi.
Pawar's Appeal
Ajit Pawar believes that if we respect the language of the state and try to adopt it, it will create an atmosphere of harmony and avoid the situation of linguistic conflict. He reiterated that language should not be a compulsion but a medium of mutual respect and harmony.
