11 hours ago
NCP (SP) to join protest march for Marathi; Congress says always upheld cause
Opposition Nationalist Congress Party (SP) on Friday extended support to the protest march called on July 5 by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray against imposition of Hindi from Class 1 to 5. The Congress, though has not announced support, clarified that it will do anything to uphold the dignity of Marathi language.
NCP (SP) state chief Jayant Patil issued a statement announcing support to the protest march. 'When it comes to looking after the interests of the state and when it comes to looking after the interests of the nation, the NCP (SP) has always stood side-by-side irrespective of political differences,' said Patil, appealing to all the party workers and leaders to join the march.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshavardhan Sapkal said the party has always advocated joining hands against the imposition of Hindi to destroy Marathi language and its culture. 'We do not see this issue limited to a call given by a political party or a particular leader. It is a larger issue of stopping the cultural invasion started by the RSS in Maharashtra,' said Sapkal, adding that his party was the first to give a call to launch a protest against the imposition of Hindi.
MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar called Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar extending invitation to join the protest on July 5. Wadettiwar said his party has always upheld and supported Marathi culture and pride. 'The party will soon announce its decision on joining the protest,' he said.
