Raj Thackeray criticises Maharashtra Speaker over Marathi language errors in tribute to Asha Bhosle

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday criticised State Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar for what he described as errors in Marathi language usage during the obituary motion for late singer Asha Bhosle in the Legislative Assembly.

In a social media post, Thackeray said Narvekar “butchered” the Marathi language and appeared unable to read written Marathi text while proposing the motion. Thackeray remarked that it would have been better if Narvekar had presented the motion in Swahili or Hebrew, as that would at least have been comprehensible.

Thackeray specifically noted that Narvekar referred to Deenanath Mangeshkar, the father of Asha Bhosle, as “Deendayal Mangeshkar.” He questioned why no MLA present in the House objected to the errors. The MNS chief also criticised Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, suggesting they were indifferent to the issue.

“It seems Narwekar neither knows who Deenanath Mangeshkar is nor who Deendayal Upadhyaya was,” Thackeray said. He added that the BJP’s induction of members has led to a loss of core values and credibility.

Thackeray also expressed concern that future generations would view the Speaker’s recorded speech and said, “A man should be educated, but more importantly, he should be wise.” He directed his remarks at the Chief Minister, asking if he would make the Speaker realise this.

Regarding the Chief Minister, Thackeray remarked that Shinde’s grasp of Marathi is “flying at an altitude of 50,000 feet,” implying a lack of concern for the language.

The MNS chief said that Narvekar did not propose an obituary motion for Asha Bhosle but rather a “motion for the death of the Marathi language itself.” He urged Marathi people to consider the kind of representatives they elect.

The MNS has condemned the Speaker’s handling of the motion, stating that it made a mockery of the Marathi language.