Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said there is no conflict between Marathi and non-Marathi speakers in the state and the issue is being politicised. He also warned his party colleague and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey not to speak on the matter.
No Language-Based Divide in Maharashtra
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said, “We are capable of handling it. There is no Marathi-non Marathi tension here. No injustice being done to either of them. Both Marathi and non-Marathi speakers in Maharashtra will teach those leaders a lesson who are trying to divide them.”
He maintained that the controversy over language is being “created for political reasons” and advised Dubey, who represents Jharkhand in the Lok Sabha, not to interfere in the matter.
Fadnavis also addressed other pressing matters, including protests in Kolhapur demanding the return of a female elephant relocated to a Gujarat wildlife rehabilitation centre, and the Bombay High Court’s directive to stop the feeding of pigeons at Mumbai’s ‘Kabutarkhanas.’
I have convened a meeting on Tuesday to discuss both issues and find out amicable solutions, he said. The CM also said action is being taken against those who availed benefits under Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme for women from low income groups but did not give further details.
Fadnavis reviewed 33 ongoing infrastructure projects and asked officials to complete them on time.
Criticism of Uddhav Thackeray’s Political Move
When asked about Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s upcoming visit to New Delhi to meet leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc, Fadnavis accused his former ally of straying from the ideology of his father, the late Bal Thackeray.
“Those who have deviated from the path of Balasaheb Thackeray will never be voted to power again no matter what they do — breakfast, lunch or dinner diplomacy,” he said.
Fadnavis also expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, will secure victory in the upcoming Mumbai civic polls.