Investor Sushil Kedia, who became the subject of controversy after making controversial remarks about the Marathi language on social media, has now issued an apology. The controversy escalated after his comments, which targeted Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, allegedly led to vandalism at his office in Worli by MNS workers. Following the attack, Kedia issued an apology, calling his statement an overreaction and expressing respect for Raj Thackeray.
Statement Reversed
On Friday, in a sharp comment on social media regarding the Marathi language, Sushil Kedia wrote, "I have been living in Mumbai for 30 years, but I have not been able to learn Marathi. Now I have decided that as long as people like you pretend to take care of Marathi Manoos, I will not learn this language. What to do, tell me?" This post went viral quickly and drew a b reaction from MNS workers. On Friday itself, his office in Worli was vandalized, following which, on Saturday, Mumbai Police arrested five MNS workers.
Apology Issued
Hours after the vandalism at his office, Sushil Kedia released a video on social media and apologized. He said that he was under mental stress and pressure, which led him to make the post. "I was mentally shaken by the violence against those who do not know Marathi. Under that emotional pressure, I overreacted. Now I realize that reaction was wrong, and I take back my words," Kedia said in the video. He called the entire controversy unfortunate and appealed to end it.
Not Comfortable in Marathi, Hence Speaks Less
Along with the apology, Sushil Kedia also gave an emotional clarification regarding the Marathi language. He said that despite living in Mumbai for 30 years, he has not yet achieved the proficiency and fluency of a native Marathi speaker. He explained that to avoid any kind of embarrassment and discomfort, he uses the Marathi language only in front of his very close people, in an informal setting. Kedia also mentioned that he has learned seven other Indian languages over time, but there has always been a hesitation regarding Marathi.
Called Raj Thackeray a Guide
Not only an apology, Kedia also openly praised Raj Thackeray's working style and thoughts. He said that Raj Thackeray has always taken a clear and firm stand on issues like Hanuman Chalisa campaign, Hindutva, and nationalism, which is commendable. "I am grateful to leaders like Raj Thackeray for their outspokenness and their ability to stand up for issues related to public sentiments," Kedia said.
How the Controversy Started
Recently, amid the ongoing controversy in the state over Hindi and the three-language policy, incidents of violence against some people for not using the Marathi language had made the atmosphere sensitive. In this background, Sushil Kedia made a sharp post against Raj Thackeray on social media, which further fueled the matter.
After this statement, there was a lot of displeasure among MNS workers, and as a result, his office in Worli was attacked. The police registered a case and took quick action, but the debate on social media is still going on about how to strike a balance between language, identity, and freedom of expression.
