The Marathi versus Hindi controversy in Maharashtra has once again taken the shape of a political storm. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has launched a scathing attack on BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's controversial statements and State Minister Ashish Shelar's comparison to a terrorist attack. Thackeray has clearly stated that the BJP's aim is to disrupt the social harmony of the state and hurt Marathi pride.
Called Nishikant Dubey a Hyena
Uddhav Thackeray reacted sharply to the statement made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey after a Shiv Sena (UBT) rally in Mumbai. Dubey had allegedly said, in the context of the Marathi-Hindi controversy, "We will beat them black and blue." To this, Uddhav said, "Such hyenas are working to poison society. These people want to destroy peace and brotherhood in Maharashtra."
Thackeray, accusing the BJP of adopting the 'divide and rule' policy, said that this politics is now outdated and the public understands it. He said that Shiv Sena is not against any language, but they bly oppose the forceful imposition of any language.
"Try Killing Urdu Speakers"
Nishikant Dubey, in an inflammatory post on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), wrote, "If those who kill Hindi speakers in Mumbai have the guts, then try killing Urdu speakers in Maharashtra. Even a dog is a lion in its own house... Decide for yourselves who is the dog and who is the lion."
After this statement, the political atmosphere has heated up further. Opposition parties, calling Dubey's remarks hate-mongering, have demanded action against him. Uddhav Thackeray, condemning this statement, said that BJP leaders are deliberately spreading animosity in society and want to destabilize Maharashtra.
Targeted from Vidhan Bhavan as well
Speaking to the media at Vidhan Bhavan, Thackeray said, "The BJP's strategy has always been to divide society on the basis of language, religion, and region and gain power. But now, this strategy has lost its relevance."
Thackeray alleged that the success of the Shiv Sena (UBT) rally on Saturday had upset the BJP, and in this frustration, BJP leaders are losing their sense of decorum.
Uddhav flared up over Shelar's Pahalgam comparison
Uddhav Thackeray also expressed his displeasure over the comments of BJP leader and State Minister Ashish Shelar, in which he compared the alleged violence against non-Marathi people to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Thackeray, calling it an insult to Marathi pride, said, "Comparing those who are agitating for Marathi rights to terrorists is shameful and proves that the BJP is working against the Marathi language and Maharashtra."
He said that such statements are a conspiracy to tarnish the image of Maharashtra and that the mindset of the BJP leaders is anti-state.
Political Heat and the Battle for Marathi Pride
Amidst the Marathi versus Hindi controversy, provocative statements, and political accusations, the politics of Maharashtra has once again heated up. While the Shiv Sena (UBT) is vocal about protecting Marathi pride, the statements of BJP leaders are becoming political weapons for the opposition. Uddhav Thackeray's sharp stance indicates that this issue will intensify further in the state's politics in the coming days.
This entire controversy has not only given a political color to the language issue but has also made it clear that every statement has gained political weight in the election season.
