Language, they say, is fundamental to social and cultural identities. In Mumbai, language, especially the place and use of Marathi, has been rendered more sensitive by the twists and turns of politicians and their agendas.

Suresh, aka Bhaiyyaji, Joshi, an ideologue of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is not the typical provocateur politician, but he certainly spoke like one and stirred a hornet’s nest where there was no need to. In Mumbai this week, Joshi stated at a public meeting that Mumbai does not have a single language, as each part has a different one, and it was not necessary for those residing in the city to learn Marathi.

This was like taking an ember to a powder keg; the issue........

© Free Press Journal