The issue of the Marathi language has been a major topic of discussion in Maharashtra over the past few days. Following the government’s decision to make Marathi mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has now clarified his stand on the matter.
“Everyone living in Maharashtra should learn Marathi, but we do not accept violence in the name of language,” Fadnavis said.
While interacting with reporters on the occasion of Maharashtra Day 2026, the Chief Minister spoke about language and regional identity. He said, “Everyone should be proud of their own language, and it is natural for people living in Maharashtra to be proud of Marathi. Those who live in Maharashtra should learn Marathi. Those who are trying to learn are welcome, and we will teach those who do not yet know the language.”
Fadnavis further said, “Using violence on the basis of language or beating someone because they do not know the language is not part of our culture, and we do not accept it at all. Marathi is a very beautiful and simple language, which can be easily taught to anyone.”
"I am very happy that, on the occasion of Maharashtra Day, we are all here to pay our respects at the Hutatma Memorial. Maharashtra was formed after 106 martyrs sacrificed their lives. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established the spirit of Maharashtra Dharma," CM Fadnavis said.