Taking his ‘Marathi Manoos’ agenda a step further, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Monday asked the legislators in the new Assembly to take oath “only in Marathi” or face his party’s wrath.
“The House will witness what my MLAs will do if anyone dares to take oath in other languages,” Mr. Raj told reporters.
MNS has 13 MLAs in the 288-member House.
“In Karnataka, a Marathi-speaking MLA was expelled from the House as he could not speak in Kannada. Will our legislators show the same attitude about Marathi,” Mr.Raj asked.
Mr. Raj’s statement follows his recent warning to Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi who had demanded the House agenda in Hindi.
“Hindi is our national language and it should come after Marathi,” Mr. Azmi, elected from Mankhurd and Bhiwandi seats, had said in his letter to Assembly secretary.
Furious over Mr. Azmi’s demand, Raj Thackeray, known for his anti-North Indian campaign, said “if Azmi wants the House agenda in Hindi, then he should go to Uttar Pradesh.”
A mellowed Azmi had later said, “I have nothing against Marathi. I respect the language which I understand but cannot speak as my mother tongue is Hindi. But I will try to learn Marathi.”
Keywords: Raj Thackeray, Marathi Manoos, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, MNS, MLAs, Marathi, Maharashtra Assembly
Sir,whether one agrees or not ,the fact is that Hindi is the common link language spoken and understood throughout the nation and needs to be encouraged along with the local languages.The incident of Maharashtra assembly only points to regional chauvinism.
Is Maharashtra a separate country, or still a part of India? Is there no law to stop such divisive politics? Why not the Supreme Court take up suo motu action against all such utterances? India's unity in diversity should be protected at all costs. The Central Government cannot be a mute spectator - they have a duty to protect the integrity and unity of the nation. It is a pity that we don't have statesmen of stature any more in the country, and small time politicians hold the country to ransom.
How much more divisive can we get as human beings? Its stupid.
If they want every oath to be in Marathi, they can pass a law. But the key question is: even if we had such a law today, then will it be OK for these "Marathi manus" to physically rough up someone who asks to take his oath in some other language? Assault and battery are crimes. Why aren't these MLAs being arrested? Why are people discussing irrelevant issues instead of demanding that they be punished? Are the Chief Minister and Speaker sleeping?
Will Azmi and his UP friends accept Tamil people to sit in the UP Assembly and address the people of UP in Tamil? People should learn to understand and appreciate the diversity of India. When you are sitting in the Assembly of Maharashtra, you have to talk in Marathi. It is basic common sense. On oath taking day itself, Azmi is deciding to show his disrespect towards the language of the State by refusing to take oath in Marathi. This is highly condemnable.
There is one reason for which Azmi thought he need not learn Marathi even after being in Maharashtra for 40 years - it is because of his "India is one and it is Hindi" policy. "India is one" does not mean "India is Hindi". India is a multi-lingual country and it's diversity has to be respected by it's citizens. Since majority of the North Indians believe that 'India is Hindi', it is high time that we add the following line in the "India is my Country.." oath -
"India is a multi-lingual country and whichever State I reside in, I will learn and respect the language & culture of the State".
Aby Azmi can contest a election in Maharashtra but not speak in Marathi???? Great! Why is he so bent up on speaking Hindi..just to irate the Maharashtrians..I'm with Raj Thackrey. All those bashing him..understand what he says..don't go on imposing the stupid idea..that we are Indians first and all..I know we are Indians first..but that does not mean anyone can come in MH and behave as he wills. I wonder if national leaders are made to speak Hindi as it is our national language?
Do we really need all these dramas in our State assemblies?
What Raj says is absolutely right. But his methods in trying to implement it as many times condemnable. Many people mix up being a good Indian with being a Hindian. Being an Indian is being a part of a POLITICAL identity which represents "Unity in DIVERSITY". It is our languages that make up our IDENTITY - (cultural). After all we have been Marathi, and Tamils and Bengalis and Manipuris and Kanadigas etc...long before India was formed. Unique Cultures in India are many and cannot be put under one 'culture'.
Mr.Raj Thackeray should understand that language is a medium for effective communtication and not to divide the peoples of India. He should realize that he is nobody to warn peoples represenatives or common people. Perhaps, the central govt or the Maharashtra govt should challenge this warning and take oath according to the law. If we allow Raj type of people, it will adversely effect our future generation. Please don't divide our country in the name of State,language,religion etc....
Regards
Thariq
I want to know if Mr. Thackeray only uses bank notes that are in Marathi?
It is as if by speaking in this language or that, all the problems of Maharashtra will be solved straightaway.
The language is culture. The regional languages should be practiced at all functions and gatherings. Hindi should never be dominant one, as it could only be the "so-called" language of the central govt.
I am all for flourizing the local/regional languages.
Kannan
Language is meant for communication and every one has a right to chose his/her own.Mr.Raj Thackeray's justification that in Karnataka an MLA was expelled for speaking in Marathi instead of Kannada is childish.
Hi,
It will great if someone reminds Raj Thackeray that no one is above the rule of the land.
I don't think all his points are invalid and some make sense but the way he put's it across is highly offensive and inhumane.
I sometimes feel sad as a nation we have no option but to listen to such people who speak their mind hurting hearts of many.
I think it will be interesting to see how many MLAs dare to challenge Raj or are they scared too like most common people? Its time for action and we can't as a nation afford to allow a person like Raj to get into his comfort violent zone. The government or judiciary need to step up, can they?
I am waiting....
Regards,
Thomson
Please Email the Editor