Mumbai
Amid the ongoing debate over the three-language formula, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday criticized the Maharashtra government’s recent meetings on the issue, calling them an insult to the Marathi language. He questioned the silence of prominent Marathi literary figures and celebrities, claiming many are quiet because of their close ties with the government.
Raut alleged that many cabinet ministers and well-known personalities send their children to English-medium schools and thus lack the moral authority to speak on preserving Marathi. He slammed the government for pushing Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English-medium schools for Classes 1 to 5, saying there’s no need to force Hindi in Maharashtra.
According to Raut, CM Devendra Fadnavis and Dy CM Eknath Shinde have never held meetings to promote Marathi and are instead advancing another agenda under the cover of this policy. He questioned why Hindi is not being made compulsory in states like Gujarat and challenged Shinde to ask the BJP about this inconsistency.
Raut claimed the ongoing consultations and meetings are pointless and only serve to damage the cultural atmosphere. He argued that the government should simply withdraw the decision rather than holding repeated discussions.
He also dismissed the idea of consulting literary figures, questioning whether Fadnavis or Shinde could even name a few prominent Marathi writers. Taking a jab at Marathi celebrities, he pointed out their silence on the matter and praised southern actor Prakash Raj for openly opposing the Hindi push.
Raut concluded by saying many respected writers have been silenced due to state-backed honors and that the real commitment to Marathi can be seen in actions, not speeches.