Thane: Shiv Sena (UBT) staged a protest at Thane Station West on Friday against RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi’s controversial remark that a person coming to Mumbai may not necessarily learn Marathi. The protest, led by party leader Kedar Dighe, saw a strong turnout of party workers and Marathi supporters, who condemned the statement as an insult to Maharashtra’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Protesters held banners and raised slogans, asserting that Marathi is an integral part of Mumbai’s heritage and must be respected by all residents. Chants of “Maharashtra chi bhasha Marathi, Mumbai chi bhasha Marathi” echoed through the gathering, reinforcing the demand for linguistic pride and preservation.
Video: The Protest held in Thane
Party workers and Marathi supporters protesting in ThaneParty workers and Marathi supporters protesting in ThaneParty workers and Marathi supporters protesting in ThaneParty workers and Marathi supporters protesting in ThaneParty workers and Marathi supporters protesting in Thane
Addressing the crowd, Kedar Dighe strongly criticized the RSS and BJP, warning that any attempt to undermine Marathi’s significance would face strong opposition. He emphasized that Marathi is not just a language but a symbol of Maharashtra’s pride and heritage.
The demonstration at Thane Station West is part of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s broader campaign to counter what it perceives as attempts to weaken Mumbai’s Marathi identity. The controversy has escalated political tensions in Maharashtra, with language and cultural issues emerging as a focal point in the ongoing tussle between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the RSS-BJP alliance.
