Speaking to the media at Hutatma Chowk on Maharashtra Day, the Chief Minister emphasized that all residents of the state should learn Marathi, while simultaneously drawing a clear boundary against coercion, intimidation, or aggressive enforcement in the name of language pride. His remarks came against the backdrop of a controversy surrounding the state government’s decision to mandate Marathi language learning for non-Marathi-speaking rickshaw drivers.
The policy, which included a phased training programme, faced resistance from rickshaw workers' unions, prompting the government to extend the compliance deadline until August.
The issue escalated into a political confrontation after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray questioned how anyone could refuse to speak Marathi, describing such defiance as unacceptable. He further criticized the government’s approach as overly lenient and demanded immediate cancellation of permits for drivers who fail to comply.
Responding to these remarks, Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra has never embraced a narrow or exclusionary mindset. He said the state has never supported the idea that migrants should be prevented from living or working in Maharashtra or that residency should be restricted to select groups.
He invoked the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating that the guiding principle of Maharashtra does not support exclusion or hostility. He also highlighted his pride in Marathi-speaking citizens who contribute to the culture and development of other states across India.
Reiterating the government’s position, Fadnavis said every resident of Maharashtra should learn Marathi but stressed that this objective must be achieved through education and assistance rather than force. He also strongly condemned what he described as violent political conduct associated with aggressive language-based mobilisation, stating that such approaches have no place in a democratic society.
The Chief Minister described Marathi as a beautiful and simple language that can be learned without conflict or coercion, adding that the government intends to facilitate language learning for residents.
Extending his remarks beyond the language controversy, Fadnavis conveyed greetings to the global Marathi diaspora and referenced the historic expression, “Maharashtra protects even the throne of Delhi,” underscoring the state’s historical prominence and leadership.
On the occasion of International Labour Day, he also paid tribute to workers, quoting social reformer Annabhau Sathe, stating that the world is sustained not by mythological symbolism but by the hands of labourers. He expressed gratitude to workers whose efforts have contributed to the economic growth, infrastructure, and development of Maharashtra and the nation.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister expressed optimism about the future trajectory of Maharashtra, stating that the state continues to progress steadily on the path of development and advancement.
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