Latest news with #MarathiVijayDiwas'
NDTV
13 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Won't Tolerate Hooliganism In Name Of Marathi": Devendra Fadnavis On 'Slapgate'
Mumbai: Taking a stand against the assault of a shopkeeper by workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said Marathi should be respected, but beating anyone will not be tolerated. A 48-year-old shopkeeper, Babulal Chaudhary, who runs the 'Jodhpur Sweer Shop' in Mira Road near Mumbai, was assaulted by seven members of the Raj Thackeray-led MNS for asking them why speaking in Marathi should be compulsory. The men warned Mr Chaudhary that he would not be allowed to do business in the area and, when he pointed out that all languages are spoken in Maharashtra, began raining slaps on him. The MNS, which has Marathi pride as its main electoral plank, has stood by the men and said they reacted because the shopkeeper had insulted the language. The MNS workers' actions have also been indirectly supported by Maharashtra's junior Home Minister Yogesh Kadam, who said action would be taken against anyone who disrespects Marathi. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, however, Mr Fadnavis - who also holds the Home portfolio in the state - made it clear that "hooliganism" in the name of Marathi would not be tolerated. "An FIR was registered immediately after the Mira Road incident. We will not spare anyone who does hooliganism in the name of language and strict action will be taken. Everyone should take pride in their language, but no one should indulge in hooliganism," the chief minister said. Launching an attack on the MNS, he said, "They think only they are Marathi. But that is not correct. We are Marathi too... Marathi people back us and will stay with us." The chief minister pointed out that many Marathi-speaking people also work and conduct business outside the state, and something similar could happen to them if such hooliganism is allowed. "Shouldn't businessmen conduct business? If a Marathi businessman goes to Assam and takes time to learn the language, should he be assaulted? If you are proud of Marathi, study it, teach it and celebrate the language," Mr Fadnavis said. Language Row The attack on the shopkeeper had taken place on Sunday, hours after the Maharashtra government withdrew its orders on the implementation of the three-language policy in the state, which the opposition - including the MNS and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) - had termed an attempt at Hindi imposition. Raj Thackeray and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray had planned a massive protest against the three-language policy but will now mark 'Marathi Vijay Diwas' on Saturday to celebrate the withdrawal of the orders. The event will see the cousins appearing together at a political event for the first time in almost two decades.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Won't accept three-language policy even in future: Sanjay Raut
Days after the Maharashtra government decided to withdraw orders on implementation of the three-language policy, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday (July 2, 2025) said they will not accept such a policy even in future. Facing mounting opposition to the introduction of Hindi language in Maharashtra schools from classes 1 to 5, the State cabinet on Sunday (June 29) decided to withdraw two GRs (government orders) on the implementation of the three-language policy. Editorial | Language of unity: On Maharashtra and the issue of Hindi Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis subsequently announced the formation of a committee headed by educationist Narendra Jadhav to suggest the way forward on the language policy. Speaking to reporters here, Mr. Raut claimed, "Fadnavis is fond of setting up committees and SITs but does nothing." "Jadhav is respected as an economist, but this committee has no relevance now. We will not accept the three-language policy even in the future," the Rajya Sabha member asserted. On the 'Marathi Vijay Diwas' celebration to be jointly organised by the Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Mumbai on July 5 following the withdrawal of the GRs, Raut said leaders from both the sides were holding discussions. "We have invited key leaders and the public. The success of cancellation of the GR belongs to the Marathi people. We are just the organisers. Even MNS chief Raj Thackeray and our leader Uddhav Thackeray have been consulted," he said. "There's little time left. We cannot personally invite everyone," he added. Mr. Raut further targeted the Fadnavis-led dispensation, alleging it split the Shiv Sena and the NCP using money, threats, the ED, CBI and the Election Commission. He also hit out at the Narendra Modi-led central government over the Pahalgam terror attack and for "failing" to establish Pakistan's hand in terror activities in India. More than 1,000 farmers from Maharashtra died by suicide in the last three months, Mr. Raut claimed, and asked if the prime minister knows about it. Mr. Raut also said the government was not properly sharing updates on the Ahmedabad plane crash. Asked about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's upcoming meeting in Delhi and what would it do for the Bharatiya Janata Party, Raut claimed, "RSS and BJP are like brothers. If the RSS wants, it can teach the BJP a lesson. The BJP's strength today is because of the RSS workers' efforts."
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Uddhav, Raj Thackeray issue joint invite as brothers to share stage in Mumbai after Maharashtra nixed 3-language policy
The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday issued a joint invite for a victory rally in Mumbai on July 5 after the Maharashtra government's decision to withdraw the three-language policy in schools. Raj Thackeray quit the undivided Shiv Sena in January 2006, blaming Uddhav Thackeray for promoting him to do so. (HT PHOTO/FILE) The July 5 rally was earlier supposed to be a protest rally against the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra schools. However, it has now been converted to a victory rally, scheduled to commence at the NSCI Dome in Worli around 10am. The joint invitation to celebrate 'Marathi Vijay Diwas' is the first official announcement for the rally, and mentions cousins Raj and Uddhav Thackeray as the hosts for the event. Titled 'Marathicha Awaaz', the invite does not bear any party symbols or flags, but carries a graphic image of Maharashtra. 'Did we make the government bow down? Yes! This celebration will be yours and we were merely fighting on behalf of you,' the invitation says. The Maharashtra cabinet had on Sunday decided to withdraw two government orders (GRs) regarding the implementation of the three-language policy, wherein Hindi language would be introduced in schools from classes 1 to 5. Uddhav, Raj's first political appearance together in two decades The victory event on July 5 will also be cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's first appearance together at a political event in nearly two decades. The plan was first mentioned by Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who said that he had spoken to Raj Thackeray about holding a victory rally. A couple of hours later, Raj Thackeray held a press conference, confirming that the victory rally would be held on the same date as had been decided for the protest, in celebration of the unity of the 'Marathi manoos'. The MNS chief further thanked the Sena (UBT) and NCP(SP) for their support in opposing Hindi imposition in Maharashtra schools. He added that the opposition would continue irrespective of the report of the Narendra Jadhav committee.
