Bhaiyyaji Joshi’s Statement Sparks Controversy, Raj Thackeray Reacts Strongly
Mumbai: A statement by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) senior leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi about the Marathi language has led to controversy. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has strongly criticised his remarks, questioning the intent behind them.
Bhaiyyaji Joshi's Statement
States that, "Mumbai does not have a single language, as it is home to many languages. Learning and speaking Marathi in Mumbai is not necessary."
Raj Thackeray’s Strong Response
राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघाचे माजी सरकार्यवाह भय्याजी जोशी यांनी मुंबईत राहणाऱ्या प्रत्येकाला मराठी येणं गरजेचं नाही, असं विधान केल्याच ऐकलं .
— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) March 6, 2025
देशाची झालेली भाषावार प्रांत रचना, त्यात मुंबईसह संयुक्त महाराष्ट्र व्हावा म्हणून १०६ हुतात्म्यांनी दिलेलं बलिदान या सगळ्याबद्दल भय्याजी…
MNS chief Raj Thackeray strongly opposed Bhaiyyaji Joshi’s remarks, reminding him of Maharashtra’s history and the sacrifices made to include Mumbai in the state.
He questioned, “Why are such statements always made about Maharashtra and Marathi? Will Bhaiyyaji Joshi make a similar statement in Bengaluru or Chennai? If someone had made such a remark in another state, wouldn’t local parties protest?”
Thackeray also pointed out that even international figures like Coldplay’s Chris Martin spoke in Marathi during his Mumbai concert. He criticised Joshi’s statement as politically motivated and warned that such remarks could create new conflicts.
Bhaiyyaji Joshi Clarifies His Stand
#WATCH | Mumbai: 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… pic.twitter.com/1dS7kj90sa
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2025
Amid criticism, Bhaiyyaji Joshi issued a clarification, saying his statement was misunderstood. He reaffirmed that Marathi is the language of Maharashtra and naturally, of Mumbai as well.
He stated, “There is no question that Mumbai’s language is not Marathi. Mumbai is in Maharashtra, and Marathi is its language. However, since people from different backgrounds live here, it is natural to expect them to learn, speak, and read Marathi. This is a great example of co-existence.”
Joshi also emphasised that while Marathi is his mother tongue, he respects all languages and urged people to view his statement with the right perspective.
MNS Protests, More Action Expected
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has announced protests against Joshi’s statement. Thackeray hinted that he would speak more on this issue during the upcoming Gudi Padwa rally on March 30, making it clear that the Marathi community will not forget this controversy.
As the debate continues, political tensions in Maharashtra over language and identity are once again in the spotlight.
