Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi addressed the political controversy surrounding his statement on Thursday, clarifying that his words led to a misunderstanding. Earlier, Joshi had remarked that not everyone moving to Mumbai needs to learn Marathi, triggering a heated political debate amid the ongoing language dispute. His statement sparked strong reactions from various political parties, intensifying the language debate in Maharashtra.
RSS Leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi on Mumbai’s Language Debate: Stresses Importance of Marathi While Promoting Linguistic Unity
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Bhaiyyaji Joshi clarified his statement, emphasizing that there is no doubt that Marathi is the language of Mumbai. He asserted that since Mumbai is part of Maharashtra, its natural language is Marathi. He acknowledged that India is home to many languages and that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds reside in Mumbai. Therefore, he stated that it is natural to expect them to learn, understand, and read Marathi while living in the city.
Bhaiyyaji Joshi highlighted that India’s diverse linguistic landscape, where people speaking different languages coexist, serves as a great example of unity. He described Mumbai as an “ideal example” of this coexistence. However, he emphasized that it is natural to expect anyone coming to Mumbai to understand, speak, learn, and read Marathi. He clarified that this is the only expectation and that he had nothing more to add. Joshi affirmed that Marathi is his mother tongue but also expressed his respect for all languages. He urged everyone to view the matter from the same perspective.
Bhaiyyaji Joshi’s Statement on Mumbai’s Languages Sparks Debate Amid Marathi Mandate in Schools
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In his earlier statement, senior RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi claimed that Mumbai does not have a single language and that each part of the city has its own linguistic identity. He gave an example, stating that the predominant language in the Ghatkopar area is Gujarati. Concluding his statement, he remarked that learning Marathi is not necessary for those residing in Mumbai. Joshi’s remarks came at a period when the BJP-led Maharashtra government has made Marathi compulsory in primary and secondary schools affiliated with ICSE and CBSE boards to promote the local language