Think twice before messing with Marathi: Maha Cong chief
Speaking at the "We are Marathi, We are Indian' workshop organised by the Congress in Mira-Bhayandar town of neighbouring Thane district, he said that Marathi must be preserved—not just because it is a language, but because it is a culture, an identity and the spirit of Maharashtra.
Congress is not opposed to Hindi language but strongly resists the compulsory imposition of a third language, he said.
"However, vandalism and violence in the name of Marathi will not be tolerated. We will not resort to violence; instead, we will teach and preserve Marathi. Everyone in Maharashtra is Marathi anyone who tries to mess with it, will have to face us," he warned.
Speaking further, Sapkal said the forced promotion of Hindi originates from former RSS chief Golwalkar's book 'Bunch of Thoughts'.
Mentioning that the BJP and the RSS do not respect the Indian Constitution, he said that India is known for unity in diversity, but the BJP wants to impose the idea of One Nation, One Election, One Language.
"This toxic ideology stems from a Bunch of Thoughts. BJP and RSS aim to push the narrative of Hindi, Hindutva, and Hindu Rashtra. It is with this intent that the BJP government has deliberately triggered this controversy," he alleged.
Explaining the choice of Mira Road as the venue for the event, Sapkal said, "... This is a battle of ideas. I have come to Mira Road to assert: 'We are Marathi, We are Indian'. Saying 'I won't speak Marathi' is sheer arrogance, but assaulting someone for not speaking Marathi is equally
wrong."
The forced imposition of Hindi will damage the education system, and could even lead to the repeal of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, he added.
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