Controversy over the Marathi language escalates in Maharashtra. Minister Nitesh Rane made sharp remarks, mentioning Aamir Khan and Javed Akhtar, and warned of strict action.
Maharashtra: A controversy regarding the Marathi language has once again flared up in Maharashtra. Recently, a food stall owner in Mumbai was assaulted for not speaking Marathi. Minister Nitesh Rane in the state government has given a b reaction to this incident. Calling the matter serious, he said the government would take strict action. He also raised some surprising questions.
Allegations against MNS workers
According to the incident, alleged Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers beat up the food stall owner simply because he was not speaking in the Marathi language. This matter is from a busy area of Mumbai, where questions are being raised about the increasing fanaticism over language.
Nitesh Rane's sharp reaction
In a conversation with the media, Nitesh Rane said in clear words that if anyone has the courage, then go to areas like Nala Bazar, Mohammed Ali Road or Malvani and try to speak Marathi. He said, would they show the same courage there? This statement clearly seemed to challenge the MNS workers.
Questions on Bollywood stars
Nitesh Rane also mentioned Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and writer Javed Akhtar. He asked if Aamir Khan or Javed Akhtar speak Marathi. If not, why doesn't anyone speak against them? He said that when a poor Hindu speaks Hindi, he is beaten up. This double standard will not be tolerated.
Government's stern warning
Minister Rane made it clear that the state government will not tolerate such incidents at all. He said that now the government will open its 'third eye' and strict action will be taken against anyone who bullies citizens. His statement received mixed reactions from opposition parties and social organizations.
Questions raised again in the Disha Salian case
During the press conference, Nitesh Rane also commented on the death of Disha Salian. He said that it is good that this matter is now in court and hoped that the truth would come out. Targeting Aditya Thackeray indirectly, he said that if he has nothing to do with it, then why is he afraid of the investigation?
Rane said that when does a person himself admit that he has committed murder? If Disha Salian is to be given justice, then the truth must come out. He also added that if action had been taken in that case in time, then perhaps shameful incidents like the rape incident that happened in Pune today would not have happened.
