Charge Joshi With Treason..! Uddhav Thackeray Joins Language Row

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday called for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi to be charged with treason, escalating a controversy over Joshi’s remarks on the Marathi language. Speaking to reporters at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai, Thackeray accused the RSS and BJP of harboring a hidden agenda to divide Mumbai, alleging their policies pit communities against each other.

The row erupted after Joshi, at an event in Ghatkopar on Wednesday, claimed Mumbai lacks a single language, noting that areas like Ghatkopar are dominated by Gujarati speakers and suggesting Marathi isn’t essential for residents. Facing backlash, Joshi clarified on Thursday that Marathi is Mumbai’s language, emphasizing his pride in it and alleging his comments were misinterpreted.

Thackeray dismissed the retraction, daring Joshi to repeat such remarks in states like Gujarat or Tamil Nadu. “Just because Marathi people are welcoming doesn’t mean you can attack them,” he said, accusing the BJP of exploiting Marathi voters while disrespecting their identity. He referenced his tenure as chief minister, when he made Marathi compulsory in Maharashtra, arguing Joshi’s statements violate that law.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Marathi as the state’s language in the assembly, but Thackeray rejected the stance as inadequate, urging the government to act against Joshi or “accept the sin.” He warned the BJP against winning Mumbai through division, saying, “If you love your mother tongue, condemn this.”