Latest news with #Marathi-Hindi
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Wrong to give political colour to birthday wishes of Pawar, Thackeray: Fadnavis
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday urged not to attach political motives to birthday greetings, including those extended by his political rivals. Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis speaks during a ceremony held in Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai's honour by the Maharashtra legislature, at Vidhan Bhavan, in Mumbai, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)(PTI07_08_2025_000236B) (PTI) Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur, Fadnavis said, 'We may differ ideologically, but we are not enemies. It is inappropriate to read politics into greetings exchanged on personal or festive occasions. Doing so distorts the cultural values of the state.' His remarks came a day after the release of a coffee table book commemorating his birthday, which featured congratulatory messages from Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray. 'Some well-wishers compiled a book for my birthday and sought messages from various leaders. Both Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray offered kind words and good wishes. I appreciate that. But trying to politicise it would be narrow-minded,' he said. State minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also reacted to Thackeray's praise for Fadnavis, stating that it reflects Maharashtra's cultural tradition of appreciating an individual's good work on their birthday. 'It is part of Maharashtra's tradition to commend the achievements of an individual on their birthday. Uddhavji has appreciated Devendra Fadnavis's work, his vision, and particularly the roadmap he has outlined for a developed Maharashtra by 2029. This vision has received a significant boost, and Uddhav Thackeray's praise is extremely significant, not just for state politics but for all political parties,' Bawankule said. Fadnavis spoke on the occasion of the 675th death anniversary of Saint Namdeo, calling the lives of saints a source of lasting inspiration. When asked about recent remarks by Governor CP Radhakrishnan related to the Marathi-Hindi language debate, the chief minister said it would be inappropriate to involve the governor in political matters. He declined to comment on calls for agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate's resignation after the latter was allegedly seen playing online rummy during a legislative council session. 'I am here for darshan,' he said. Fadnavis noted that he was open to discussing the Pandharpur corridor development project with local residents. The proposed plan includes road widening, relocation of shops, and better facilities for pilgrims visiting the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Renuka Shahane speaks out on Marathi-Hindi row in Maharashtra: 'Slapping people will not help the language'
Actor Renuka Shahane has weighed in on the ongoing language debate in Maharashtra, urging people to respect local languages and cultures while firmly opposing any form of aggression in the name of linguistic pride. Speaking on the podcast InControversial with Pooja Chaudhri, the actor, who hails from Maharashtra herself, shared her thoughts on the tensions that have emerged between Hindi and Marathi speakers in the state. Renuka Shahane stressed the importance of understanding local culture and avoiding violence. Renuka on respecting the local culture 'If you've been living in a place for a long time, it's a good thing to understand the local language, culture and be more respectful than anything else. It's not about the speaking of it, much more than the intention of wanting to, you know, respect it. I do not like people who do not feel the necessity to be accommodating of the local language and local culture." Renuka said. 'I do not like violence at all, you know; I do not like the fact that people can be rude about it. Going into a place where Marathi is not spoken and just slapping two or three people, it's not going to help the language in any way. We have to find ways to get across the language to people in a way that people would find it convenient and accept it happily. Language is not something that should is forced. That is why I was against the forced addition of Hindi from a very early stage in Maharashtra. I think it should be something of a choice, which I also had growing up." Renuka added. During a recent interaction with ANI, Renuka's husband, actor Ashutosh Rana also addressed the issue. 'Bhasha samwaad ka vishay hoti hai, vivaad ka nahi. Bharat samwaad mein vishwas rakhta hai, vivaad mein nahi (Language is a topic of discussion and not controversy. India believes in talks and not controversy)," Ashutosh said, emphasising that language should be a tool for dialogue, not division. Marathi-Hindi language row Renuka and Ashutosh's comments come amid growing tensions in Maharashtra around language identity. The debate reignited in April 2025, after the state government announced — and then quickly rolled back — a decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in schools. Since then, several confrontations have been reported where individuals allegedly linked to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have clashed with people for not speaking Marathi in public.
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Complaint filed against MNS chief Raj Thackeray for 'provocative' remarks
A complaint was filed on Monday (July 14, 2025) against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for his comments made during a speech at the NSCI Dome on July 5. Nephew of Bal Thackeray, Mr. Raj, allegedly said that if people from other States are beaten, they should be beaten, but no videos should be made. A written complaint was filed by three lawyers, Pankajkumar Mishra, Nityanand Sharma and Ashish Rai to the authorities to investigate the statements made in the speech. The lawyers asked authorities to take legal action against Mr. Raj so that 'public peace' is not disturbed. 'On July 5, 2025, Raj Thackeray made hateful and provocative statements in a public meeting. During his speech, the instructions 'Do not make any video as evidence of any such incident' is clearly aiding and abetting a serious and premeditated crime and also the intention to destroy or conceal evidence is clear, which is a crime under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),' mentioned the letter. Marathi-Hindi debate has taken centre stage in Maharashtra, with multiple instances of violence, including the recent incident of Mira-Bhayandar, in which a non-Maharashtrian was slapped for not speaking Marathi, and the MNS was not allowed to protest. Several other incidents were reported in Virar and Palghar. The lawyers also highlighted that the MNS has subjected citizens from other states to language-related atrocities, beatings and public humiliation, which is 'unconstitutional' and disrupts 'social harmony'. The complaint also asked authorities to probe the incidents of attacks by MNS workers and demanded that the suspects be booked.
News18
14-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Raj Thackeray Faces Complaint Over ‘Hate Speech'; Advocates Demand NSA Action
Last Updated: The complainants also sought an inquiry into alleged incidents involving MNS workers, including claims of physical assault, threats, social humiliation, and coercion. Three advocates have submitted a complaint seeking legal action against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray under the National Security Act, accusing him of promoting hate speech and inciting violence. The complainants also sought an inquiry into alleged incidents involving MNS workers, including claims of physical assault, threats, social humiliation, and coercion. The complaint, written in Marathi and signed by Pankajkumar Mishra, Nityanand Sharma, and Aashish Rai, called for a formal case to be registered against Thackeray. It urged authorities to probe his recent public statement and take legal measures to prevent further remarks that could disrupt public order or promote communal discord. The complainants have demanded that individuals found responsible be held accountable under the law. The advocates also appealed to the administration to uphold constitutional protections — specifically the right to life, liberty, equality, and freedom of expression — for all residents of Maharashtra. The complaint follows heightened tensions around the ongoing Marathi-Hindi language debate in the state. Multiple reports have emerged of non-Marathi-speaking individuals allegedly being targeted in various districts by workers linked to the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT). Earlier this month, Raj Thackeray addressed his supporters with remarks that have drawn criticism. 'Be it a Gujarati or anyone else here, they must know Marathi. But there is no need to beat people for that if they don't speak Marathi. Yet, if someone does drama, you must hit them below their eardrums," he said. He added, 'If you beat someone, don't make a video. Let the person beaten up tell that he has been beaten up; you don't need to tell everyone." Following these comments, several incidents involving alleged MNS workers have been reported. In one such case on Saturday, a migrant auto-rickshaw driver in Palghar district was reportedly attacked in public. The altercation reportedly began over a dispute involving the use of Marathi. According to witnesses, MNS workers later located the driver, assaulted him, and forced him to issue a public apology to a man and his sister, whom he was accused of misbehaving with earlier. view comments First Published: July 14, 2025, 14:59 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Zain Durrani speaks out on Marathi-Hindi language debate: 'Respect is the key'
The actor Zain Durrani, coming fresh off his performance from 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan,' has weighed in on the ongoing Marathi-Hindi controversy in Maharashtra. The actor offered a balanced and respectful perspective on linguistic variety and cultural sensitivity. 'We really need to respect every culture' – Durrani's stand When asked about the language tensions, Durrani told News 18, 'We really need to respect every culture. There are so many languages in this country. These days, when I sit with my team from Maharashtra, I try to pick up their language – not to appeal to anyone or to blend in, but just out of respect.' He emphasized that learning regional languages is not about assimilation but about honoring the roots and traditions of others. South India's efforts vs. northern apathy Durrani also pointed out a common imbalance saying, 'So many people from the South can speak Hindi, right? But how many of us try to learn their languages? Yet I see people poke fun at them when they speak Hindi. That's very unfair.' He stressed that mutual respect is essential for preserving India's rich cultural tapestry. His journey as an outsider in Bollywood As he was reflecting on his own path, Durrani acknowledged the challenges of being an outsider in the film industry saying, 'Everybody needs to do a certain amount of self-analysis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like So sánh mức trượt giá: Hợp đồng tương lai (CFD) Bitcoin vs Ethereum IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo If you believe you have what it takes to survive, and it's not just about talent – you also need support. You need people around you, whether it's parents or friends. It's not a lone fight.' He credited his parents for their never-ending support and acknowledged the privilege of having a safety net while exploring Mumbai's competitive landscape. What's next for Zain Durrani Durrani teased several upcoming projects, including web series and OTT releases by 'I'm not at liberty to name them yet, but there are web projects, and a couple of OTT projects that I've already shot for. We're just waiting for the release dates to be announced.' His latest film, 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan,' co-starring Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor, is currently in theatres.
