Mumbai: The Mumbai BJP Minority Morcha has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, voicing their concerns regarding the mandatory use of Marathi and its impact on minority communities.
Agnelo Fernandes, general secretary, Mumbai BJP Minority Morcha, said there was concern among minority groups regarding the recent announcement encouraging the people of Maharashtra to converse in Marathi.
“While I wholeheartedly respect and appreciate the promotion of the Marathi language and culture, I am deeply troubled by the unintended consequences of this directive, particularly the fear and anxiety it has caused within the minority communities,” said Fernandes.
The party unit said that they admired the state’s rich heritage and traditions. “Communities such as Muslims, Christians, Parsis, Jains, and Sikhs, along with the indigenous East Indian community, have not only embraced Maharashtrian culture but have also contributed significantly to the social and economic fabric of the state. While many of us speak, understand, and celebrate the Marathi language, there are times when linguistic challenges make communication difficult,” said Fernandes.
The Mumbai BJP Minority Morcha said that following the Chief Minister’s announcement, political parties, particularly the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, have taken it upon themselves to enforce the use of Marathi through unlawful and violent means.
Reports of individuals being harassed, intimidated, and even physically assaulted for not speaking in Marathi are deeply alarming. Such actions create fear and undermine the unity and harmony that Maharashtra has always stood for, the group said, requesting that immediate measures be taken to prevent the unlawful actions of such groups
They said that members of minority groups face hostility in government offices when they are unable to communicate fluently in Marathi. “I humbly request that government officials be instructed to treat all citizens with dignity and respect, regardless of their language preference,” said Fernandes, adding that Marathi should serve as a means of promoting cultural unity, not a tool for division or violence.
The Mumbai BJP Minority Morcha said they are more than willing to collaborate to promote the language through educational initiatives and community programs. However, we earnestly urge you not to make it compulsory for everyday communication, as it may inadvertently lead to further marginalisation and fear among minorities, they added.
