Disrespecting Marathi ‘will not be tolerated': Amid rising tensions, Ajit Pawar urges respect for languages

Indian Express

24-07-2025

Amid rising incidents of people being assaulted over speaking Marathi, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar on Thursday called for greater respect for the state's language and culture, particularly from those who have migrated from other parts of India.
Addressing the issue publicly in Mumbai, Pawar emphasised that while India is a diverse and multilingual country, every state has its own linguistic identity that must be honoured. 'In every state, the language of that particular region is important and should be respected and given priority,' Pawar said. 'At the same time, India is one nation. Outside our home states, Hindi is widely spoken, followed by English. This is the scenario across the country — from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari,' he added.
The statement was made against the backdrop of the state seeing several incidents of individuals being assaulted over speaking Marathi. This week itself, a student in Navi Mumbai and an attendant at the Nanded state transport bus stand were assaulted over the language issue.
On his part, Pawar reiterated that Marathi holds the status of a classical language, underscoring its historical and cultural significance. He stated that while newcomers to Maharashtra are not expected to be fluent in Marathi, they should at least make an effort to learn and show respect for it. 'If someone who cannot speak Marathi says, 'We live here but cannot speak Marathi well, and our mother tongue is Hindi—but we respect Marathi and we are trying to learn,' then that is acceptable. If only this much is said, there would be no problem at all,' Pawar said. 'But if someone adamantly says, 'We will not speak Marathi,' that cannot be tolerated or accepted,' he added.
Pawar clarified that his appeal is not about forcing anyone to abandon their native language, but about encouraging mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. 'You work here, live here—think about the local people, the Maharashtrians, and what they expect. This way, we can all live happily together,' he concluded.
Asked about the statement made by Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan over the Marathi issue, Pawar said that posts like those of the governor and President of India are senior positions, and it would not be appropriate for him to speak about it.
At a function on Tuesday, Radhakrishnan had stressed the need to stay away from spreading linguistic hatred, saying it would harm the state and affect industry and investments. 'If you come and beat me up, can I speak in Marathi immediately?' he had asked, saying, 'In the long run, we are doing harm to the state.'