Fadnavis Dismisses Levying Urban Naxal Tag on MNS or Protestors Opposing Govt
2
Nagpur: Maharashtra chief minister
Devendra Fadnavis
on Saturday clarified that provisions under the 'Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024' are aimed at tackling anti-national elements and not meant to stifle protestors or critics of the govt.
The remarks came in response to
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena
(MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's challenge to label his party workers as urban Naxals.
"Laws like Jan Suraksha are intended for those engaged in unlawful, anti-national activities, not against protestors or those opposing govt actions," Fadnavis said. "MNS workers have not behaved like urban Naxals, so there's no reason for any action under these provisions."
On the growing controversy surrounding the introduction of Hindi in schools, the CM reaffirmed the govt's stance on promoting Marathi as the primary language.
"Learning Marathi is compulsory in Maharashtra, and rightly so," he said.
"But I also believe that students should learn at least one more Indian language. There is nothing wrong in that. What I oppose is the mindset that glorifies English while undermining our Indian languages."
Fadnavis also addressed concerns from industrial circles in Pune, where allegations of political interference and extortion have surfaced. He pledged to dismantle what he termed 'dadagiri' in the city's industrial sector.
"Industries there misuse the names of political parties. I have decided to end this Dadagiri. Anyone—regardless of party—who wants to help us clean this up is welcome," he said, signalling openness to cross-party collaboration.
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