'If you can't speak Marathi, leave Maharashtra', warns Raj Thackeray's party leader

Mahrashta: The ongoing controversy over the Marathi language in Maharashtra has now intensified. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has taken an aggressive stance on the agenda of Marathi identity. Mumbai: The party's Mumbai president Sandeep Deshpande on Saturday said those who refuse to speak Marathi in Maharashtra should leave the state. He also called such people "traitors to Maharashtra".

The MNS's tough stance on the Marathi language ahead of the civic polls is causing a stir in political circles. The party has intensified its campaign demanding that Marathi be made mandatory in banks and other institutions. The controversy has heated up the politics of the state, where from the chief minister to local leaders, are making statements on the issue.

MNS leader's stern warning

MNS Mumbai president Sandeep Deshpande posted on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), writing, "Those who will not speak Marathi while staying in Maharashtra are traitors to Maharashtra. Those who don't want to speak Marathi should leave Maharashtra. Otherwise, we will show the traitors of Maharashtra their place," he said, adding that as soon as the post went viral, there were sharp reactions in political and social circles.

CM Fadnavis gave advice

The statement came a day after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said insisting on the use of Marathi language was not wrong, but if someone takes law into their hands for the same, it will not be acceptable. He indirectly objected to the recent actions of MNS workers.

MNS's 'Marathi agenda' ahead of civic polls

Ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in the state, which include big cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur, the MNS is further clarifying its position on the Marathi language. The Raj Thackeray-led party is now demanding that Marathi should be made mandatory in banks and other institutions.

Action on bank employees

Over the past few weeks, MNS activists have targeted managers of two different banks in Thane and Pune districts for not communicating in Marathi. Videos of these incidents quickly went viral on social media and received widespread reaction. While some people supported the MNS for this move, many called it excessively excessive.

Raj Thackeray's strong message at Gudi Padwa rally

At a rally organised on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Raj Thackeray clarified the party's policy on the Marathi language and said that Marathi will be made compulsory in government work. He warned that "those who deliberately do not speak Marathi will be slapped".