2 days ago
Last Updated:March 06, 2025, 16:39 IST
Senior RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi clarified that his remarks were 'misunderstood' and said that Marathi is indeed the language of Mumbai as well as the entire Maharashtra
Senior RSS leader Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi. (PTI file photo)
Senior RSS leader Suresh ‘Bhaiyyaji’ Joshi on Thursday issued a clarification on his remarks on the need to speak the Marathi language in Mumbai which led to an uproar.
Speaking at a Ghatkopar event on Wednesday, Joshi said, “Mumbai doesn’t have a single language. Each part of Mumbai has a different language. Ghatkopar area’s language is Gujarati. So if you are residing in Mumbai, it is not necessary that you have to learn Marathi."
Issuing a clarification over the remark, Joshi said to ANI, “On row over his statement, RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi says, “Due to one of my statements, a misunderstanding has occurred. There is no question that the language of Mumbai is not Marathi. The language of Maharashtra is Marathi. Mumbai is in Maharashtra and naturally, the language of Mumbai is Marathi. Different languages are spoken in India. People speaking different languages live in Mumbai as well. So, it is a natural expectation that they should also come here and learn Marathi, understand Marathi and read Marathi."
“I think that this is a great example of co-existence that people speaking so many different languages in India live together. I think that Mumbai is also an ideal example of this. But there is a natural expectation that a person coming to Mumbai should understand Marathi, speak Marathi, learn Marathi, read Marathi. This is the only expectation. I have nothing more to say than this… My mother tongue is Marathi. But I also respect the existence of all languages… I request everyone to see it from the same perspective," he added.
Opposition Attacks BJP Over Joshi’s Remarks, CM Says ‘Language Of Mumbai Is Marathi’
Opposition parties Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) attacked the BJP government over Joshi’s comments.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused Joshi of insulting Maharashtra.
“Marathi is our state language and such a statement amounts to treason. The statement is a treason. He came to Mumbai and said its language is not Marathi. Should the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers tolerate this?" Raut said.
Reacting to the row, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the Assembly, “I haven’t heard what Bhaiyyaji said, but the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra is Marathi. Everyone should learn Marathi and should speak the language. Marathi is a part of the state’s culture and identity, and it is the duty of every citizen to learn it."
He added that his government respects all languages and said, “If you love and respect your language, you do the same for other languages. I am sure Bhaiyyaji will agree with me," he said.
Location : First Published:March 06, 2025, 16:38 IST
News politics Senior RSS Leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi Clarifies Marathi Comment, Says 'Language Of Mumbai Is...'
