Amid the ongoing debate in Maharashtra over the prominence of the Marathi language, BJP leader and state minister Ashish Shelar on Sunday dismissed the joint rally by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, calling their speeches irrelevant and an attempt to distract from core issues.
Speaking to reporters, Shelar accused Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former chief minister Uddhav of repeatedly shifting alliances for political gain. “He (Uddhav) first aligned with the BJP to gain power in the state and the BMC (cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation). When he realised he could become chief minister, he joined hands with the (then undivided) NCP and Congress. Now, to retain power in the BMC, he is trying to woo the MNS,” he said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Shelar also condemned incidents of attacks on Hindi-speaking people allegedly by MNS workers, saying, “Marathi is not a political issue for us.”
On Saturday, Uddhav and his cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, shared the stage in Mumbai for the first time in nearly two decades. The rally was held to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s decision to withdraw two resolutions that would have introduced Hindi as a third language from Class 1 in state-run schools.
Uddhav hinted at fighting the upcoming civic polls together, while Raj remarked that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had succeeded in bringing them together, something even Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray could not do.
Reacting to their joint appearance, Shelar described the event as lacking substance. “Yesterday`s joint event and speeches could be seen as incomplete, with one speech being unclear and another being irrelevant. The entire event was unrealistic,” he said. “While one of them tried to speak on the cause of Marathi, the facts were distorted. Their arguments were misleading and can be countered point by point.”
Shelar further claimed Uddhav’s speech reflected `regret` and `uneasiness` over losing power, while Raj’s comments strayed from the main issues. “Uddhav`s speech was irrelevant, full of regret and uneasiness over the loss of power. Raj`s speech was incomplete and diverted from the real issue. Both leaders appeared driven by fear ahead of the municipal elections. Their speeches resembled those of people scared to walk in the dark,” he said.
Responding to Raj Thackeray’s question on how many northern states have adopted the three-language policy, Shelar noted that nearly 22 states in India have either implemented or accepted it. “What we are saying is that they (Thackerays) are ok with their children getting education in schools teaching three languages, but they oppose when others get the same opportunity,” he added.
Shelar also criticised personal attacks on CM Fadnavis. “Even we can make personal comments to criticise them. But do they have any decency in public discourse?,” he said.
He argued that the Thackerays had ignored Fadnavis’ role in resolving the language issue. “Had there been honesty in their arguments, they would have congratulated CM Fadnavis. He was the one who removed the word `mandatory` from the initial GR and then withdrew both GRs to avoid confusion. But they will not do that because their intentions are dishonest,” Shelar said.
On the alleged assaults on Hindi speakers, Shelar remarked, “In the Pahalgam terror attack, people were asked their religion before being shot. Here, people are being attacked based on their language. It is disappointing.” He concluded by stating that the BJP would uphold the pride of Marathi people while also protecting non-Marathi residents.
Predicting electoral setbacks for the Shiv Sena (UBT) and its allies, he said, “Compared to the previous elections, they will win fewer seats. They are going to lose.”
