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Key Points

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has firmly stated that Marathi takes precedence over Hindi in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cautioned against violence while supporting Marathi usage. The debate intensified after the government mandated Hindi in primary schools. Governor Radhakrishnan warned that linguistic hostility could deter investment in Maharashtra.

Key Points: Ajit Pawar Says Marathi Comes First in Maharashtra Amid Hindi Row

  • Ajit Pawar emphasizes Marathi as Maharashtra's primary language
  • CM Fadnavis condemns violence over language disputes
  • Governor warns linguistic hatred harms investment
  • Controversy stems from Hindi mandate in schools
3 min read

Marathi is spoken first in Maharashtra, then Hindi: Dy CM Ajit Pawar amid language row

Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar asserts Marathi's primacy as Hindi language debate escalates, while CM Fadnavis warns against linguistic violence.

"Here, Marathi is spoken first, then Hindi; this is Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar's Maharashtra - Ajit Pawar"

Mumbai, July 25

Amid the ongoing language row in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has asserted Marathi's primacy in the State, saying, 'Here, Marathi is spoken first, then Hindi."

"Here, Marathi is spoken first, then Hindi; this is Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar's Maharashtra," Ajit Pawar told reporters in Mumbai on Thursday.

"After leaving their mother tongue, people speak Hindi outside the state and then speak English. If those living here cannot speak Marathi, they should say that they do not know Marathi; we respect them, nothing like this will happen," he added.

Meanwhile, weighing in on the language row, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that there is nothing wrong with requesting someone to speak in Marathi within the State. However, he added that his government will not tolerate manhandling anyone in the name of language.

"It is natural that the Marathi language will be requested to be spoken in Maharashtra. This is not wrong," Fadnavis told reporters in Delhi on Thursday.

"But any controversy over language, or manhandling anyone over the language, will not be tolerated. We have taken strict action when any such incident has taken place. If anyone attempts to do any such thing, we will take action," he added.

These remarks come amid heated debates in Maharashtra over the alleged "imposition" of Hindi and the choice of medium of instruction in schools.

The controversy in the State began with a government resolution issued on April 16, mandating the introduction of Hindi as a third language from Classes 1 to 5. The move drew sharp criticism, with many accusing the state government of attempting to impose Hindi.

Earlier this week, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan urged people to refrain from spreading hatred based on linguistic differences, warning that such attitudes could harm the state in the long run.

Sharing a personal experience from his time as an MP in Tamil Nadu, the Maharashtra Governor had said, "...one day I saw some people beating someone. When I asked them about the problem, they were speaking in Hindi. Then, the hotel owner told me that they don't speak Tamil, and people were beating them to speak Tamil."

He added, "If we spread this kind of hatred, then who will come and invest...? In the long run, we are only harming Maharashtra. I'm unable to understand Hindi, and that is an obstacle for me. We must learn the maximum number of languages, and we should be proud of our mother tongue."

The language row has resulted in sporadic violence in the state, including assaults on Hindi-speaking individuals by political workers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I'm an expat living in Mumbai and trying to learn Marathi. While I understand the importance of local language, the recent incidents of violence are worrying. The Governor's words about investment impact make sense - we need balance between pride and practicality.
A
Ananya R
Why is this even a debate? Every state has its regional language as primary. In Karnataka it's Kannada, in Tamil Nadu it's Tamil. Maharashtra is no different. But forcing Hindi as third language in schools is unnecessary - let parents choose!
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Vikram M
The politicians are making this a bigger issue than it needs to be. Most Mumbaikars I know happily speak 3-4 languages daily - Marathi at home, Hindi at work, English with clients. This linguistic flexibility is our strength, not weakness!
K
Kavya N
While I agree Marathi should be promoted, we must remember Maharashtra has always welcomed people from all over India. My Punjabi neighbors speak fluent Marathi after 20 years here - that's the spirit! No need for compulsion or violence.
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Michael C
As someone who's worked across India, I've noticed Maharashtra is actually quite inclusive compared to some southern states. But the recent incidents are concerning. Language should unite, not divide. Maybe focus on making Marathi learning more accessible instead?

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