Marathi Language Achieves Classical Status Amidst Political Dynamics

Sanjay Raut welcomed the Centre's decision to grant Marathi classical language status, emphasizing collective efforts. Ahead of elections, the tag, given to five languages, sparked political debate. Raut urged the BJP to retain Maharashtra's industries as it acknowledges Marathi's significance.

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) lauded the Centre for granting classical language status to Marathi, attributing it to decades of collective effort rather than a single party. He emphasized the cultural significance of Marathi, especially as regional elections loom.

Raut criticized the BJP-led Union government, suggesting the move might be intended as political compensation for their defeat in Maharashtra's Lok Sabha elections. He argued that acknowledging Marathi's status on paper must be supplemented by retaining industries within the state.

Shiv Sena's historical advocacy around Marathi language now comes into play during the Maharashtra assembly elections. The recent classical language status for Marathi, alongside Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, reflects longstanding demands led by leaders across parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)