Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi Photo: PTI Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi Photo: PTI A day after his remark stirred political controversy in the state, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi on Thursday clarified his statement and said that a misunderstanding had occurred.
At a Ghatkopar event on Wednesday, Joshi said that not everyone coming to Mumbai should learn Marathi which sparked a political slugfest amid the ongoing language row.
"Mumbai doesn't have a single language. Each part of Mumbai has a different language. Ghatkopar area's language is Gujarati. So if you are residing in Mumbai, it is not necessary that you have to learn Marathi," Joshi had said.
The RSS Leader's Clarification Over Marathi Language RemarkTaking cognisance of the political debate over the language row, he said on Thursday, "There is no question that the language of Mumbai is not Marathi. The language of Maharashtra is Marathi. Mumbai is in Maharashtra and naturally, the language of Mumbai is Marathi. Different languages are spoken in India. People speaking different languages live in Mumbai as well. So, it is a natural expectation that they should also come here and learn Marathi, understand Marathi, and read Marathi."
#WATCH | Mumbai: On row over his statement, RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi says, "Due to one of my statements, a misunderstanding has occurred. There is no question that the language of Mumbai is not Marathi. The language of Maharashtra is Marathi. Mumbai is in Maharashtra and… pic.twitter.com/1dS7kj90sa
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2025A day after his remarks invited strong criticism from the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress, Joshi further said, “Marathi is my native language and I take pride in it” while adding, “Marathi is Maharashtra's language and Mumbai’s language. There are no two opinions about it. People speaking many languages live in harmony in Mumbai."
“It is expected that those coming from outside and speaking other languages should also understand Marathi,” Joshi said, adding his remarks at the Ghatkopar event were misconstrued.
CM Fadnavis' ReactionAmid the escalating row over the Marathi language, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday asserted that Marathi is the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra and anyone who lives here should learn and speak it, after a Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA pointed to comments of a RSS leader.
His comments came in response to Shiv Sena (UBT) member Bhaskar Jadhav's demand that the government should clarify its stand on Joshi's comments.
"I haven't heard what Bhaiyyaji said,fef777 casino but the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra is Marathi. Everyone should learn Marathi and should speak the language", the CM said while asserting that his government respects other languages as well.
"If you love and respect your own language, you do the same to other languages. I am sure Bhaiyyaji will agree with me," Fadnavis said.
muitobet 'Should Be Booked For Treason': Uddhav ThackerayFollowing Joshi's remark, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday demanded that he should be booked for treason.
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In a verbal attack on the BJP and RSS, the former Maharashtra chief minister also alleged that Joshi's remarks reflect the hidden agenda of the RSS and the BJP to divide Mumbai.
Targeting Joshi, Thackeray said, "They have not raised India Pakistan issue (for some time now) but it is 'batenge toh katenge'. It's not just a Marathi vs non-Marathi issue, but also Maratha vs non-Marathas and capture the state."
MVA Stages Protest Amid Language RowLeaders of the opposition MVA on Thursday staged a protest here against Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi's remarks, and shouted slogans asserting Marathi is the language of Mumbai.
On Thursday, the Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Congress leaders Vijay Wadettiwar, Bhai Jagtap, Nitin Raut and NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil, took part in the protest at Hutatma Chowk in south Mumbai.
The memorial has been set up to honour 106 martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement in 1950ssnk, which led to the state’s creation.