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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has termed Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey’s recent comments as “ill-advised,” warning they could sow “confusion in the minds of people”, as leaders cutting across party lines condemned the Jharkhand politician’s statement.
According to PTI, Fadnavis’s reaction comes as Dubey’s “inappropriate” remarks on the language issue drew sharp condemnation from across the political spectrum, including strong disapproval from within the state BJP and ruling alliance.
The controversy stemmed from a provocative X post by the Lok Sabha member from Jharkhand.
“To those beating Hindi speakers in Mumbai, if you have the courage, try beating Urdu speakers in Maharashtra. Even a dog is a tiger in its own home. Decide for yourself who is the dog and who is the tiger,” he stated.
His patak patak ke marenge (will thrash you) remarks further fuelled the fire.
While Fadnavis said that Dubey’s statement was aimed at a specific organisation and not against Marathi people in general, he, unequivocally added that “it is inappropriate to make such comments. Its interpretation confuses the minds of people.”.
He highlighted Maharashtra’s significant contribution to the country’s GDP and lauded the historical and present-day role of Marathi people saying, “I feel no one can reject the contribution of Maharashtra and Marathi people in the history and present of the country. If someone is rejecting it, then I feel it is wrong.”
He spoke about the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, and Marathas while defending Indian culture.
On Monday, Culture Minister Ashish Shelar, from the BJP, had stated that “any insult of Marathi ‘manoos’ will not be tolerated.”
Without naming Dubey, Shelar made it clear that the BJP-led Mahayuti government won’t tolerate any moves by any Member of Parliament aimed at questioning the competence of Marathi-speaking people.
He pointed out the famous contributions of Marathi speakers to India’s development. “Marathi speakers don’t survive on anyone’s money.”
