'Marathi is an emotion': AAP condemns Hindi imposition in Maharashtra

Mumbai: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday condemned the politics of Hindi imposition and the denigration of Marathi culture, through hooliganism of lumpen elements. 

The party asserted that Maharashtra is the land of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and PuLa Deshpande - Marathi is not merely a language but is an emotion, which finds its fullest expression in culture, music, literature and theatre. 

“There is a clear pattern that is emerging in recent times, that of imposition of Hindi, not just in Maharashtra but across the country. It is grossly incorrect to impose Hindi in any state and the Union Govt must refrain from its over zealous efforts towards the same. 

"Language is the marker of our cultural identity and is a medium of expression and not a tool for petty politics,” said Preeti Sharma Menon, AAP Mumbai President.

“At the same time, it is imperative for us to uphold the ethos of Marathi culture and conserve our Marathi language. But in the name of conservation of culture, if lumpen elements, hoodlums and goons unleash terror through violence, coercion and threats, then the same is an insult to our Marathi language,” she added.

“It is commendable that Thackeray cousins have come together to fight the Union Government’s Hindi hegemony and we support them in their movement against Hindi imposition. But we don’t support any kind of violence whatsoever. 

Maharashtra has been blessed with peerless giants of PL Deshpande, Kusumagraj, Anna Bhau Sathe, Sane Guruji and their eternal legacies. It is sad that linguistic repression is all pervasive, in this very land. 

"The Marathi culture is thoughtful and wise and doesn’t need any oppression or suppression for its survival. It blooms fully, on the sole strength of love, learning, speech and culture.”, said Preeti Sharma Menon, AAP Mumbai President.