Politics Simmers Over Nishikant Dubey's Remarks on Marathi People. Devendra Fadnavis clarified the comment wasn't aimed at the Marathi community but at certain organizations. He advised Dubey to use more restrained language.
Maharashtra: A controversy has erupted over BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's statement concerning the Marathi community. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis disapproved of the statement, stating that it was not directed at the Marathi community but at certain organizations. He also advised Dubey to exercise restraint.
Political Storm Erupts Over Nishikant Dubey's Statement
A controversial statement by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has stirred up a commotion in Maharashtra's politics. The words he used regarding Marathi people have drawn objections from numerous leaders and organizations. Reactions were witnessed across social media and on the streets following the statement.
Fadnavis Provides Clarification
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, responding to the matter, said that Dubey's statement was not directly targeting the Marathi community but was directed towards certain organizations that intentionally fueled the controversy. However, he also clarified that such language or statements are inappropriate.
Fadnavis stated, “I believe that Nishikant Dubey's statement was not entirely correct. No one can deny Maharashtra's role in the country's development. If someone does so, it is wrong. In my opinion, such statements create confusion and increase misunderstandings among the public.”
What is the Whole Matter?
The controversy began with a comment by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. Raj Thackeray recently said in a meeting that a strict approach should be adopted against those who live in Maharashtra and do not want to speak Marathi. He also told his workers to teach such people a lesson but not to make a video of it.
Nishikant Dubey responded sharply to Raj Thackeray's statement. He said, “You people are living off our money. Our states - Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha - have all the mines. Gujarat has semiconductor refineries. If you have the guts to beat up those who speak Hindi, then you should have the guts to beat up those who speak Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu as well. If you are so brave, come out - Bihar, UP, Tamil Nadu - we will beat you black and blue.”
Questioning Marathi Pride?
Dubey's statement is being considered a direct attack on Marathi pride. However, Fadnavis has clarified that his statement was not directed at the Marathi community. Nevertheless, the kind of language used is politically and socially unacceptable. There has always been sensitivity regarding the Marathi language and culture in Maharashtra. In such a situation, any external leader's statement of this nature creates controversy.
Several parties, including the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress, have criticized Dubey's statement. Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray said that BJP leaders should respect Maharashtra's culture and decorum. NCP chief Sharad Pawar also called the statement irresponsible.
