'We respect and will try to learn it': Ajit Pawar's suggestion to non-Marathi speakers in the state; stirs language row
NEW DELHI: Deputy chief minister
Ajit Pawar
on Thursday urged non-Marathi speakers in Maharashtra to be sensitive and respectful toward the local language. He advised them to acknowledge Marathi and show a willingness to learn it, saying that this simple gesture could help prevent unnecessary conflict amid the growing language tensions in the state.
"Nothing will happen to someone who says that we are living in Maharashtra but can't speak very good Marathi. However, we respect the language and will try to learn it,' he said as reported by PTI.
Pawar emphasised that the language of the state one lives in should be respected. 'It doesn't happen always, people react badly many times. You should respect the language of the state you live in, at least a little bit," he added.
His comments come as the language row in Maharashtra continues to escalate and has now reached Parliament.
Earlier during the day, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey came under fire from women MPs from Maharashtra over his controversial comment, 'tumko patak patak ke marenge (we'll thrash you thoroughly)' while referring to Maharashtrians.
Surrounded by angry women MPs demanding clarification, Dubey quickly backtracked and said, 'Jai Maharashtra'.
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The BJP MP's remark was a response to
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena
(MNS) chief
Raj Thackeray
who threatened non-Marathi speakers with, 'dubo-dubo ke maarenge (thrash them thoroughly).'
The MNS, known for its aggressive stand on the 'sons-of-the-soil' issue, has taken the language matter seriously. Raj Thackeray has continued to make fiery speeches and said he is 'proud of his soldiers'.
The ongoing tension has led to several confrontations between Marathi and non-Marathi speakers. In one recent incident, a man was beaten by MNS workers for refusing to speak Marathi and challenging them by saying, 'I will not speak in the language. What will you do?'
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has condemned such attacks, calling the use of violence over language issues unacceptable.
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