Is it Fair to Overlook the Contributions of Marathi People to the Nation?

Mumbai, July 8 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted on Tuesday that the significant historical contributions of Marathi people to Maharashtra are unparalleled, with the state being the leading contributor to the nation's GDP.

In response to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s inflammatory remark that 'you people are surviving on our money. What industries do you have?' the CM remarked, 'Such statements are inappropriate. They only create misunderstandings among the public.'

'Let me reiterate that the historical contributions of the Marathi people to Maharashtra are substantial. Denying the role of Maharashtra and its people in shaping the history and present of this nation is incorrect,' he emphasized.

CM Fadnavis made these remarks amid loud protests from Opposition parties, who condemned Nishikant Dubey and the BJP for being anti-Marathi and anti-Maharashtra.

Fadnavis elaborated, 'When foreign invaders attempted to obliterate India's culture, figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj played a crucial role in preserving it. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj followed suit, and the Marathas fought valiantly against these invaders throughout India.'

'The Marathas even played a pivotal role in the Battle of Panipat. Abdali had sent a letter offering a truce, claiming, 'give me land from Punjab to Peshawar. Balochistan is mine, and the rest of India belongs to the Marathas.' However, the Marathas did not accept this. They chose to fight for India's integrity at Panipat, which is a testament to their legacy.'

'Even today, Maharashtra stands as the top contributor to the nation’s GDP. Thus, it is indeed wrong for anyone to dismiss the contributions of Maharashtra and its people in the history and present of this country,' he asserted.

Mumbai BJP President and Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar also made a statement on the issue in the Assembly on Monday.

While not directly mentioning Dubey, Shelar remarked, 'Maharashtra showcases the achievements of Marathi people globally. The MP from Jharkhand should present legally grounded arguments but must not undermine the accomplishments of Marathi individuals. Marathi people do not rely on anyone's financial support; their contributions to the GDP are significant.'

He added, 'It is the government's duty to safeguard the interests of Marathi people and ensure they are not wronged.'

Dubey had ignited controversy with his fiery comments directed at Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena founder Raj Thackeray, stating, 'You people are surviving on our money. What industries do you have? If you are bold enough to confront those who speak Hindi, you should also challenge those who speak Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu. If you are such a 'big boss', come out of Maharashtra and visit Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. We will retaliate.'

Dubey also criticized the Thackeray brothers for targeting Hindi speakers in Mumbai.

In reaction to the ongoing dispute over the enforcement of the Marathi language, Dubey accused the Thackeray cousins of engaging in 'cheap politics' ahead of the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections and questioned their selective outrage.