Raj Thackeray's Call for Marathi Assertion and Unity

Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, delivered a compelling speech urging citizens to assert the prominence of the Marathi language in their everyday lives. His remarks came during a lecture he delivered at the Vasant Vyakhyanmala event on Thursday.

During his address, Thackeray expressed concerns over what he described as deliberate attempts to prevent unity among Marathi speakers, lamenting the disputes around Hindi's presence. He questioned why autorickshaw drivers in Maharashtra feel emboldened to refuse to speak Marathi, contrasting it with practices in other states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Highlighting the importance of cultural icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar, Thackeray urged citizens to take pride in their heritage. He also acknowledged ideological differences with Sharad Pawar but praised his contributions to agriculture. As a call to action, Thackeray concluded by asking Maharashtrians to always converse in Marathi.

(With inputs from agencies.)