Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that Marathi will be the only compulsory language in Maharashtra, speaking at the inauguration of the 99th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Satara.
His remarks came after Marathi Mahamandal president Prof. Milind Joshi said that there was no need to glorify other languages when Marathi was being disrespected. The four-day Sammelan, being held from January 1 to 4, was inaugurated by noted author Mridula Garg.
Clarifying the state’s language policy, Fadnavis said, “Other than Marathi, no language is compulsory in Maharashtra. Under the three-language formula, a study is underway to decide which additional languages should be included.”
While asserting the primacy of Marathi, the Chief Minister stressed the need to respect all languages. “We roll out the red carpet for foreign languages like English, French and Spanish, but oppose Indian languages. This is not right. All languages deserve respect, though the mother tongue should get the highest respect,” he said.
Fadnavis also said a committee headed by Dr Narendra Jadhav has been formed to decide from which class Marathi should be made compulsory. “The committee’s work is in its final stage,” he added. He reiterated that Marathi was a classical language even before the BJP government officially granted it that status and said efforts should be made to promote Marathi across the country.
Addressing concerns about political interference in literary spaces, Fadnavis said, “We do not want to bring politics into literary events. As long as I am Chief Minister, there will be no political interference in such forums. Writers may enter politics, but politics should not enter literature.”
Emphasising the role of writers and thinkers, he said literature is meant not just for entertainment but for creating awareness. “Constructive criticism helps us correct ourselves,” he added, asserting that Marathi pride would endure for generations.
Sammelan president Vishwas Patil, reception committee head Chhatrapati Shivendra Raje Bhosale, outgoing Sammelan president Tara Bhavalkar and Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore were among those present.
During his address, Fadnavis apologised to the literary fraternity for taking phone calls on the dais, explaining that he was dealing with rebel candidates ahead of the municipal elections. “I usually never take calls on stage, but today I had no option. I apologise for it, though I remained attentive to the proceedings,” he said.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com