Delhi — Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday addressed concerns surrounding recent language-related tensions in the state, stating that while promoting the Marathi language is natural, any form of violence or coercion over language will not be tolerated.
“It is natural that Marathi language will be requested for (to be spoken) in Maharashtra. This is not wrong,” Fadnavis said. However, he firmly warned against any aggressive behavior in the name of linguistic pride. “But any controversy over language, or manhandling anyone over the language will not be tolerated.”
Fadnavis stressed that his government has taken strict action in previous instances and will continue to do so. “If anyone attempts to do any such thing, we will take action,” he asserted.
The remarks come in the wake of increasing debate and incidents concerning language use in public and private institutions across Maharashtra. Fadnavis’s statement seeks to strike a balance between upholding regional identity and maintaining law and order.
