No need to question capabilities of Marathi speakers: BJP minister Shelar after Dubey remarks

Mumbai, Jul 7 (PTI) Maharashtra Culture Minister Ashish Shelar on Monday asserted any insult of Marathi 'manoos' will not be tolerated and said there was no need to question the capabilities of Marathi-speaking people.

Shelar made it clear in the Legislative Council that the Mahayuti government, led by his party BJP, will not accept attempts by any Member of Parliament to raise questions on the capabilities of Marathi manoos (Marathi-speaking people), comments coming in the backdrop of certain remarks made by his party colleague and Lok Sabha MP from Jharkhand Nishikant Dubey.

He insisted insult of Marathi manoos will not be tolerated.

Speaking earlier in the assembly, the MLA from Bandra in Mumbai noted contributions of Marathi speakers in India's GDP and also other spheres of life, including films, are well-known.

"Maratha history and Marathi legacy are glorious. I want to make our stand clear. The Jharkhand MP concerned can publicly voice his stand as per law, but there was no need to question the capabilities of Marathi speakers. Marathi speakers' contribution to GDP is known to the country. A Marathi speaker made the first film in the country and another built the Navy," Shelar said in the assembly.

The minister emphasised no one should question contributions to society or capabilities of Marathi speakers.

"If the MP doesn't know about it, we will send the details to him," he said without naming Dubey.

"Marathi speakers don't survive on anyone's money," Shelar averred.

The BJP minister assured the government will not allow injustice to Marathi or non-Marathi speakers in the state.

"To those beating Hindi speakers in Mumbai, if you have the courage, try beating Urdu speakers in Maharashtra. Even a dog is a tiger in its own home. Decide for yourself who is the dog and who is the tiger," Dubey, the Lok Sabha MP from Godda, posted on X. PTI MR PR RSY