Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari addressed the Marathi language controversy head-on during an appearance on actor Shekhar Suman's revived talk show 'Shekhar Tonight', stating that while every language deserves pride in its culture and literature, that pride must never cross into fanaticism. The episode, the show's debut after a 14-year hiatus, aired on YouTube and covered language politics, public accountability, and Gadkari's personal principles in public life.

The Marathi Language Debate

Host Shekhar Suman raised the recent controversy over threats issued to migrant workers in Maharashtra, referencing demands that those unable to speak Marathi be barred from driving auto-rickshaws or scooters. Suman, identifying himself as a Bihari, quipped: 'It was recently said that those who cannot speak Marathi will not be allowed to drive autos or scooters. This made Biharis like us a little nervous. Take care of us too.'

Gadkari responded with a measured smile, pointing to his ministry's infrastructure record in Bihar as evidence of no bias: 'After Bihar became a separate state, we built the maximum number of bridges and roads on the river Ganga and changed the picture of the entire Bihar. If we were against Biharis, would we have done all this?'

Gadkari's Position on Language Pride

The minister then offered a more nuanced view, distancing himself from linguistic hardliners. He said he had himself remarked earlier: 'If I had no other work and had to drive an auto-rickshaw, I would also learn Marathi.' He explained that not knowing the local language can affect one's livelihood — but drew a firm line at coercion.

'Every language should be proud of its literature and culture,' Gadkari said, 'but this pride should never turn into fanaticism or obsession.' This comes amid a broader and recurring debate in Maharashtra about the rights of migrant workers versus the protection of local linguistic identity — a tension that has periodically flared since the rise of regional political movements in the state.

On Politics and Public Accountability

Gadkari used the platform to reflect on the nature of democratic politics, offering a candid assessment. 'Politics is not just about gaining power. It is a blend of agreements, compulsions, limitations and contradictions,' he said. Notably, he placed a share of responsibility on voters themselves: 'Sometimes the people themselves are more responsible than political parties or leaders for what angers them. The day the public decides what it will accept and what it will not, and does not vote for those who do wrong politics, the system will start changing.'

Principles and Constituency Work

A three-time Member of Parliament, Gadkari spoke about the red lines he has drawn in his political career. 'I had decided that beyond a point, I would never compromise on my principles and values,' he said. When caste-based agitations gained momentum in Maharashtra, he claimed to have publicly opposed them. 'For me, every person in my Lok Sabha seat is his or her own, whether they voted for me or not. I will never discriminate against anyone on the basis of caste, religion, faith, language or gender,' he added.

'Shekhar Tonight' is produced by Dharmesh Sangani and Adhyayan Suman, and streams on YouTube. The show's return after over a decade signals renewed appetite for long-form political conversation in the Indian digital media space.