📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Rjain1998
Politics
MNS and UBT Sena criticize Fadnavis over extension of Marathi language rule
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 29 Aug 2026, 11:03 AM
👁 2
Maharashtra regional parties MNS and UBT Sena have publicly rebuked Devendra Fadnavis for extending the Marathi language rule, calling the move politically motivated.
Maharashtra leader Devendra Fadnavis faced sharp criticism on Thursday after announcing an extension of the state's Marathi language rule. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena (UBT Sena) issued statements condemning the decision as a political stunt.
The extension, which seeks to broaden the applicability of Marathi in official and educational settings, was presented by Fadnavis as a measure to strengthen regional identity. However, the two regional outfits argue that the move undermines the secular fabric of the state and appears timed to garner electoral support.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray and UBT Sena leader Rajendra Patil both asserted that the policy change serves no practical purpose and is aimed at appeasing Marathi chauvinism. They called for a reversal of the decision and urged the government to focus on development rather than linguistic symbolism.
Political analysts note that the backlash highlights growing tensions between Maharashtra's mainstream leadership and smaller regional parties, which continue to leverage language issues to assert influence in the state's coalition dynamics.
The extension, which seeks to broaden the applicability of Marathi in official and educational settings, was presented by Fadnavis as a measure to strengthen regional identity. However, the two regional outfits argue that the move undermines the secular fabric of the state and appears timed to garner electoral support.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray and UBT Sena leader Rajendra Patil both asserted that the policy change serves no practical purpose and is aimed at appeasing Marathi chauvinism. They called for a reversal of the decision and urged the government to focus on development rather than linguistic symbolism.
Political analysts note that the backlash highlights growing tensions between Maharashtra's mainstream leadership and smaller regional parties, which continue to leverage language issues to assert influence in the state's coalition dynamics.