Deputy CM Ajit Pawar urges calm as Maharashtra’s language debate heats up.
🔹 Ajit Pawar’s Advice Amid Language Tensions
Amid growing controversy over the Marathi language in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has offered a simple suggestion to ease tensions between communities:
“People living here who do not know Marathi should say politely, ‘We are learning it’. If you say this, there will be no problem,” Pawar said on Thursday.
His remarks came as the language row escalated to Parliament, with incidents on the ground and heated political exchanges dominating headlines.
🔹 What Sparked the Row?
The controversy intensified after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey reportedly said, “Marathi logon ko hum yahan patak patak ke marenge” (We will thrash Maharashtrians soundly). The comment triggered an immediate protest from women MPs from Maharashtra.
Under pressure, Dubey retracted and responded with “Jai Maharashtra”.
🔹 Ajit Pawar Calls for Mutual Respect
Ajit Pawar emphasized the need to respect the local language and promote harmony.
“From Maharashtra to Jammu and Kashmir, everyone should be proud of their mother tongue… but what is going on in the name of language right now is concerning,” he added.
He urged people to avoid arrogance and reactiveness:
“You must consider where you live and what the people around you feel. Everyone should live together peacefully.”
🔹 MNS and Raj Thackeray’s Aggressive Stand
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has taken an aggressive stand. His earlier “dubo-dubo ke maarenge” (we will drown and thrash) warning intensified the situation.
Recent incidents involving MNS workers include:
- A man was assaulted for refusing to speak Marathi.
- Threats to remove Gujarati signboards on highways.
- Vandalism of non-Marathi signage on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route.
🔹 State Leaders Respond
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis condemned the violent acts, stating that language differences should not lead to violence.
While the government is pushing for multilingual inclusivity, Raj Thackeray defended his workers by stating he’s “proud of his soldiers”.
📌 Key Takeaway
Ajit Pawar’s message underscores a crucial point: A little respect and willingness to integrate—even as simple as saying “I’m learning Marathi”—can go a long way in promoting peace and unity in a culturally rich state like Maharashtra.
