RSS leader Bhaiyaji Joshi, who was surrounded by controversies about his recent statement, has given clarification. Bhaiyaji Joshi said that my statement has caused some misunderstanding. I was talking about co-existence of various languages, but I want to make it clear that the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra is Marathi and all the people living here should learn Marathi language.
Bhaiyaji Joshi said that Mumbai is in Maharashtra and the original language here is Marathi. India is a country with diverse languages. Different languages are spoken in India. People who speak different languages also live in Mumbai. In such a situation, it is a natural expectation that whoever comes to Mumbai, should learn Marathi language, should understand Marathi and read Marathi. This is a beautiful example of linguistic co-existence, which Mumbai has always played.
He said that my mother tongue is also Marathi, but I respect all languages equally, my statement should be seen in the same spirit. My aim was not to insult any language.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde also reacted to the controversy and said that Marathi language and Marathi Manush are our priority in Maharashtra. We are constantly making efforts to give Marathi language properly respect and have demanded it to be recognized at the national level as well. I also thank the Prime Minister for this.
Shinde said that Balasaheb Thackeray started the tradition of honor of Marathi language, and we are carrying forward the same tradition. Bhaiyaji Joshi has also made it clear in his statement that he has not insulted Marathi language. He has clearly stated that Marathi is his own language and has never insulted the Marathi language.
The deputy CM said that those who are doing politics about Marathi language should stop this. During the election campaign, it was seen many times that banners are installed in different languages and Marathi language is ignored. It will not work anymore. If someone insults Marathi language, Marathi Manush will never forgive him.