The Hindi versus Marathi language issue is once again heating up the political arena in Maharashtra ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, with statements flying back and forth between the ruling party and opposition parties.
Eknath Shinde on Hindi-Marathi Language Row: The Marathi versus Hindi language issue has once again flared up in Maharashtra before the municipal elections. This debate has gained momentum in political circles, with the ruling and opposition parties engaged in accusations and counter-accusations. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has made a significant statement on this sensitive issue, clarifying that the government is giving top priority to the Marathi language and does not hold any "ego" on this matter.
In fact, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray had recently raised questions about the Marathi language and accused the Shinde faction of ignoring the respect for the Marathi language. Reacting to this, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde accused the opposition of double standards. He said that when the opposition leaders were in power, they had made Marathi, Hindi, and English compulsory by implementing the recommendations of the Raghunath Mashelkar Committee. But now, out of power, the same leaders are making statements to the contrary.
Shinde said in an interview, "When these people were in power, all three languages were considered necessary, but now that they are not in power, they are suddenly playing politics in the name of Marathi. Leaders who play such a dual role do not have the right to talk about morality."
Hindi not compulsory, respect given to Marathi: Shinde
Deputy Chief Minister Shinde clarified that the current government has not made Hindi compulsory, but has given full priority to Marathi. He said that children should have knowledge of many languages, which was the same view held by opposition leaders earlier. On this basis, the current government has given prominence to Marathi and decisions are being taken in that direction.
Shinde also said that the government will not make any final decision on this issue from a political perspective alone, but after consulting with different sections of society, scholars, and language lovers. He said, "Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and our entire team will take action after taking everyone's opinion. We have no ego. We want the respect and development of the Marathi language to always remain."
Steps taken to promote Marathi
Mentioning the achievements of his government, Shinde said that the government has taken several important steps to promote the Marathi language. The 'Vishva Marathi Sammelan' (World Marathi Conference) has been organized continuously in the state so that Marathi literature, culture, and language can be given international recognition. Apart from this, the construction of the 'Marathi Bhasha Bhavan' (Marathi Language House) is also being done, where all language-related activities will be encouraged.
He said that Marathi is the identity of Maharashtra and the government will not let it weaken. He retorted at the opposition, saying, "Today, those who are lecturing us on Marathi love were trying to push Marathi back while in power. The public is watching everything and will answer in due time."
Language politics in electoral politics
According to experts, the issue of Marathi versus Hindi has always been sensitive in Maharashtra's politics. In municipal elections, this issue has often been raised to woo the vote bank. Under this strategy, some opposition parties are trying to exploit this issue. But Shinde, by making this statement, has indicated that the government will take this debate in a positive direction and give top priority to Marathi.
How much this issue will deepen in the upcoming municipal elections, only time will tell, but Shinde's statement makes it clear that the current government is fully committed to the Marathi language and is not in favor of spreading animosity against any other language.
