Petty politics over Marathi language

Mumbai: The politics over ‘classic’ language status for Marathi continues to hog the limelight in Maharashtra’s political circles. Now, state education minister Vinod Tawde has countered Shiv Sena MPs’ claims that union home minister Rajnath Singh is not ready to clear the proposal to declare Marathi a ‘classic language’. 

Recently, there were reports of Sena MPs claiming that Mr Singh had expressed inability to confer the ‘classic’ language status to Marathi. However, BJP leader Mr Tawde, who allegedly had a word with Mr Singh refuted the claims made by Sena leaders.  

A few days ago, Shiv Sena members of Parliament Aravind Sawant, Srirang Barane and others met Mr Singh in Delhi. After the meeting, the Sena MPs claimed that Mr Singh has expressed his inability to clear the proposal of Maharashtra to confer classic language status to Marathi. 

“Mr Singh told us that there would be 30 other proposals if he clears Maharashtra’s request. So, he is unable to do that,” Mr Sawant allegedly said. 

But Mr Tawde said that he discussed the issue with Mr Singh.

 “He clearly told me that he has not said something like that to the Sena MPs. Mr Singh also told me that this issue is not with me and it should be referred to the cultural ministry,” Mr Tawde said. 

The proposal to make Marathi a classic language is pending since 2013.