Resorting to violence over Marathi unacceptable, you can't be obstinate about it: CM Fadnavis
Mumbai, Jul 4 (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said while there was nothing wrong in expecting people to speak Marathi in the state, it was unacceptable to resort to violence for its insistence and that one cannot be "obstinate" about it.
He also warned of legal action against those taking the law into their hands over the issue.
The CM's remarks came in response to a recent incident in which Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers assaulted a food stall owner in Thane district's Bhayandar for not speaking Marathi, and a businessman in Mumbai issuing a statement declaring he would not speak Marathi despite having lived in the city for many years.
"You can ask people to speak Marathi in Maharashtra, but you cannot be obstinate about Marathi," Fadnavis told reporters on the premises of the Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature complex here.
"Marathi people cannot have so much hatred against other languages," he added.
Cautioning against linguistic chauvinism, he said, "Even I am Marathi. There are (Marathi) people working in other states. If they get similar treatment (there), then it is not fair. Whoever takes the law into their hands will face legal action."
He criticised the selective outrage over languages, and said, "I sometimes wonder how these people embrace English, but create controversy over Hindi. What sort of thought process is this?"
Calling for constructive promotion of the language, Fadnavis said, "If you are truly proud of Marathi, then speak Marathi. Encourage others to speak Marathi. Start classes to teach Marathi. Why do you send your children to schools where Marathi is taught as the third language? Send them to Marathi medium schools."
According to him, the police have taken action against MNS workers who manhandled a businessman in Thane who could not speak in Marathi.
Speaking about the withdrawal of two government resolutions (GRs) linked to the implementation of the three-language policy amid a growing chorus against the introduction of the Hindi language in Maharashtra schools from classes 1 to 5, Fadnavis said the opposition was being opportunistic.
"The two parties seem very happy with the cancellation, but people are aware that when Uddhav Thackeray was the chief minister, it was his government that accepted the NEP, formed a committee and implemented the same decisions," he said.
"We have now formed a committee that will look into all the aspects. Whatever is good for our students, the committee will recommend, and we will implement it," he said.
On Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde raising "Jai Gujarat" slogan at an event attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Pune, Fadnavis defended his colleague.
"He was attending an event of the Gujarati community because he was invited there. His statement was in their context. It doesn't mean he loves Gujarat more than Maharashtra," the CM said.
He pointed out that such interpretations were short-sighted.
"A few years ago, Sharad Pawar had gone to Chikodi in Karnataka and raised the slogans of 'Jai Maharashtra, Jai Karnataka'. Does that mean he loves Karnataka more than Maharashtra?" Fadnavis asked.
"This kind of narrow view towards the Marathi language is not good. Marathi language and Marathi people have contributed immensely across fields. There were prominent Marathi personalities in our country's freedom movement as well," he added.
Speaking about the status of the proposed Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, the CM said, "Most of the land-related issues have been resolved. Some farmers in Sangli have raised objections. We are considering a realignment in Kolhapur. The opposition to the project now is purely political."
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I enjoy being a finisher for my team: Ashutosh Sharma
Jaipur (PTI): Delhi Capitals batting all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma said he relishes his role as a finisher after his side snapped a three-match losing streak with a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in an IPL match here.
Ashutosh struck an unbeaten 25 off 15 balls, hitting four boundaries, as Delhi successfully chased down a daunting 226-run target with five balls to spare on Friday.
"I enjoy being a finisher for my team. The team has trusted me to bat in these situations and I enjoy playing in these moments. I always feel that as long as I am at the crease, I can win the game for my team," Ashutosh said at the post-match press conference.
Chasing a stiff total, Delhi were laid a solid foundation by KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka, who stitched together a 110-run opening partnership.
"In T20 cricket nowadays, a lot depends on the opening partnership and the powerplay. Our openers played really well and because of that we were in the game throughout and could take it till the end," Ashutosh said.
Delhi’s overseas pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Kyle Jamieson had earlier set the tone by removing Rajasthan's explosive openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi inside the first two overs.
"We wanted to get their opening partnership out early, as they have been doing well in previous matches. That was our plan and it worked, which was good for us."
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour admitted that poor execution with the ball cost his side the match.
"The bowlers couldn't execute their plans again today. 226 we felt was enough on this surface, they should have been able to defend that.
"When you are defending that kind of total it is important to have a good powerplay. We gave away lots of runs and didn't take any wicket," he said.
Despite the defeat, Rathour drew positives from the batting effort, particularly the response after the early loss of openers. Skipper Riyan Parag led from the front with a 90 off 50 balls, while Dhruv Jurel contributed 42.
"We were consistently getting good starts. Both our openers were doing well for us in every match. So, this was the first time that both got out early. So as a team, I think it was important how we came out of that situation and how we played.
"The way Riyan and Jurel batted at that time, the partnership they built, and the way Donovan finished it, it was really good to see," Rathour said.
