
More opposition MPs in touch with BJP; 'our tally will rise soon', claims Maharashtra minister

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Indian Express
a minute ago
- Indian Express
Govt will not tolerate violence in the name of language dispute: CM
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said violence in the name of language dispute will not be tolerated and dealt firmly. 'There is no dispute between Hindi and Marathi. While one should be proud of Marathi, which is not only the mother tongue of Marathi people but also a classical language, one cannot ignore other Indian languages,' said Fadnavis during a speech at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Special Centre for Security and Strategic Studies, planned under the School of International Studies which aims to explore war strategy and traditions based on the Maratha empire. The centre is going to become the study centre of military history, strategy and future policy development rooted in India's past. Shortly after his arrival, the Student Federation of India (SFI) protested over the Maharashtra Special Security Bill and growing instances of attack against non-Marathi residents (North Indians and others) in several parts of the state and failure of the government to deal with it effectively. In response to the protest, Chief Minister Fadnavis said, 'There is nothing wrong in insisting on Marathi language in Maharashtra. At the same time, there should be no disregard for other Indian languages. Violence of any kind in the name of language dispute cannot be tolerated. Wherever such instances occurred, strong action has been taken. And if it reoccurs, it will be firmly dealt with.' 'Marathi is a culturally rich language that was accorded the status of a 'classical language' by the Narendra Modi government. There is nothing wrong with having pride in Marathi language. The issue here is not about Marathi vs Hindi. What needs to be understood is that along with Marathi, one should also respect other Indian languages. As someone just mentioned, Tamil is also historically and culturally a very rich language. The Chola dynasty ruled for a thousand years and there is a huge history which we cannot overlook,' said Fadnavis. Referring to the visionary king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Fadnavis said, 'Shivaji Maharaj has never taught us to be narrow minded. With limited resources and manpower, he defeated the mighty Mughal army through his strategic ruler Aurangzeb was finished and his 'kabar' built but Shivaji's 'swaraj' lived eternally.' The Kusumagraj centre at JNU will offer postgraduate and certificate-level programmes to promote multilingualism and cultural understanding. Under this, MA in Marathi and certificate courses to go with the NEP for non-Marathi speakers will be offered.


News18
28 minutes ago
- News18
'Insistence On Marathi Natural, But Manhandling Over Language Won't Be Tolerated': Fadnavis
Last Updated: Maharashtra CM stressed that language should be a bridge, never a weapon Amid a language war in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said that language cannot be a means of discord and a Marathi person can never be narrow-minded on such issues. Speaking at the inauguration of two special centres at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Fadnavis said his government's policy has been Marathi along with other Indian languages, even as parts of Mumbai were rocked by violent protests against the 'imposition of Hindi" in Maharashtra. 'Language is a means of communication, but never of discord. Mother tongue is important. Every Marathi person is proud of the Marathi language. Insistence on Marathi is natural and justified, but we should also respect other Indian languages," he said. Fadnavis was speaking at a function to inaugurate the Kusumagraj Special Centre for Marathi Language, Literature and Culture and the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Special Centre for Security and Strategic Studies at the JNU. 'The debate is not Marathi versus Hindi. There is no alternative to Marathi. A Marathi person has to accept Marathi. But our policy is Marathi along with other Indian languages. We should learn Marathi and also know other languages," he said. 'I say time and again, a Marathi person can never be narrow-minded. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj never taught us to be narrow-minded. Sant Dyaneshwar prayed for the welfare of the entire world and not just his followers," the chief minister added. He confirmed that a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji would be installed at the JNU campus, with the university's Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit supporting the proposal. The Maharashtra government's decision to introduce a three-language formula in primary schools led to protests by Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) over the 'imposition of Hindi". The state government rolled back its decision, but the issue united the estranged Thackeray cousins, who claimed to have joined hands for the cause of Marathi. (With inputs from PTI) view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 23:01 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Hindustan Times
31 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Baby born mid-air in Mumbai-bound Air India Express plane, cabin crew assists delivery
In New Delhi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed ongoing language tensions, asserting that language should not be a source of discord. He emphasized the importance of Marathi while promoting respect for other Indian languages. Fadnavis inaugurated two special centers at JNU focused on Marathi culture and strategic studies, amid protests regarding language policy in Maharashtra.