TV
Two separate incidents of verbal abuse over language preference have surfaced in Maharashtra, igniting a debate over linguistic sensitivity in public services. The viral videos circulating on social media show a bank manager and a railway official facing harassment for not conversing in Marathi.
In the first incident, two youths were seen confronting a bank manager, berating him for not speaking Marathi. The video captures them aggressively stating, "If you are working here, learn Marathi. There is an RBI guideline to learn the local language."
The heated exchange supposedly took place inside cabin of the bank official.
Marathi Language Row: Video No. 2
The second video captures a similar altercation at a railway ticket counter. A group of youths is seen engaging in a verbal spat with a lady railway official, demanding that she converse in Marathi. The exchange grew tense, with the official visibly distressed as the confrontation continued.
These incidents have sparked discussions online, with some supporting the demand for officials to use the local language, while others have condemned the aggressive behaviour. Maharashtra has stringent linguistic policies promoting Marathi in administrative and public services, but such confrontations raise concerns over the manner in which the issue is being addressed.
Marathi Language Row: Internet Reacts
“I do have a doubt, I am not a Marathi speaking person. If I get transferred to Maharastra what will I do? NB: Not interested in having a fight during office hours,” a user wrote.
A second user wrote, “India is a democratic country so everyone has the right to speak any language so there shouldn't be any kalesh regarding language issues.”
“Interesting, so both parties knew how to speak in english or hindi or marathi. Instead they chose to escalate the situation. Aren't we all Indians? If we argue & abuse each other over things like language then it's better we don't live in each others states,” a third used commented.
