Mumbai, March 9 (NationPress) The chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, has accused the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) of displaying a facade of Marathi affection solely during election periods.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, recently reaffirmed in the Legislative Assembly that the Marathi language would remain essential statewide, including for death registration certificates and receipts.

The editorial of Saamana, the party's mouthpiece, referred to the Ghatkopar Hindu Crematorium, labeling it a 'betrayal' of that commitment and an 'assault' on the Marathi language and its pride. It raised concerns about the issuance of official receipts featuring Gujarati text, despite existing regulations that require all civic documents to be presented in Marathi and English.

The editorial challenged the decision to incorporate Gujarati, questioning who authorized such inclusion when the rule of 'Marathi first, then others' should be upheld. It cautioned that this could lead to further modifications, including renaming railway stations and streets in Gujarati.

“While Gujarati is a revered language of art and literature in Gujarat, Marathi is the language of icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, and Balasaheb Thackeray, and deserves protection in its native state,” the editorial stated.

According to the editorial, with the conclusion of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, a BJP 'Hindu Marathi' Mayor has been sworn in.

“Now that the formalities are complete, the BJP has cast aside the guise of 'Marathi love' it donned for the elections, revealing its true intentions in Ghatkopar's crematoriums. It seems as though the funeral pyre of the Marathi language has been ignited in a Hindu cemetery,” it asserted.

The editorial further emphasized that the hypocrisy of advocating for Marathi verbally while allowing Gujarati in crematoriums cannot prevail, insisting that Marathi must be dominant from birth to death within the state.

“The rise of exclusive colonies for specific communities while marginalizing the 'sons of the soil' (Marathi people) has spread to Pune and Nashik. It’s contradictory that people embrace 'Trump Towers', associated with controversial figures, yet shun the presence of Marathi individuals. Celebrating Marathi Language Day or claiming credit for 'Classical Language' status while ignoring such assaults is not genuine affection for the language,” it added.

It further questioned whether the Gujarati community would support Maharashtra or prioritize corporate ambitions.

“Any attempt to use wealth or influence to belittle the Marathi language will face strong resistance. This issue extends beyond Gujarati receipts in a crematorium; it addresses those who betray Marathi after benefiting from Maharashtra's land. If this aggression is not curtailed at the crematorium today, tomorrow the identity of landmarks like the Gateway of India and Hutatma Chowk will be jeopardized,” it warned.