Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has asked his party workers to temporarily stop their protest that demands the use of Marathi language in banks and other offices. He said that enough awareness has now been created on this issue.
Recently, a lot of videos have gone viral on social media wherein MNS workers can be seen assaulting Bank employees for not using Marathi language.
In a letter to his party members, Thackeray explained that the purpose of the agitation was to show what happens when rules made by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) about using local languages are not followed. “We have made people aware of this issue, so there is no problem in stopping the protest for now,” he said.
However, he also gave a warning — that this issue should not be forgotten. He urged the government to take responsibility and make sure that the rules are followed properly. Thackeray said that if any place disrespects Marathi-speaking people or ignores the law, the MNS will step in and talk to them directly.
His message came just a day after United Forum of Bank Unions wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In the letter, they complained that some people claiming to be MNS workers were visiting bank branches and threatening the staff. According to the letter, these people were demanding that all display boards should be only in Marathi and that all bank employees should speak in Marathi.
The union also said that some bank officials had been threatened and even assaulted. After this, CM Fadnavis warned that strict action would be taken against anyone who tries to take the law into their own hands.
Raj Thackeray’s Letter: What Raj Thackeray said
First of all, I wholeheartedly congratulate all of you for once again raising a strong voice for the cause of the Marathi language in Maharashtra.
During my Gudi Padwa rally, I had instructed you to highlight the fact that Marathi is not being used in banking transactions across Maharashtra, and that this is causing inconvenience to citizens. I asked you to bring this issue to the attention of the administration. The very next day, you all went to banks across Maharashtra and insisted on the use of Marathi. This was a great step, and it sent out a clear message that neither the Marathi language nor Marathi people can be ignored. It also showcased the widespread presence and strength of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
But now it’s time to temporarily stop this agitation, because we have already created enough awareness on the issue. At the same time, we must also be aware of what our next steps should be. Now, the general Marathi population must also start demanding this. If our agitation has created such a stir among Marathi people, then what is the need to continue the agitation?
Also, the biggest responsibility lies with the government. The government is fully aware of the Reserve Bank’s rules, and it is their duty to ensure those rules are implemented. The Chief Minister himself has said that no one should take the law into their own hands. But that does not mean that the government should not act like a guardian. If you truly are the protector of law, then why aren’t you taking action to implement the Reserve Bank’s rules? If you can compel others to respect their languages and identities, then why can’t you do the same for Marathi? Why should we be forced to take matters into our own hands?
Therefore, Maharashtra Sainiks, pause this agitation for now, but do not lose focus on the issue! I also want to tell the government that if rules are still not being followed anywhere, and if Marathi-speaking people are being harassed or insulted, then once again, my Maharashtra Sainiks will have to go and discuss the matter there!
