Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 5: In a strategic pivot, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has directed his party members to cease their ongoing agitations concerning the implementation of Marathi language usage in banks and major corporations across Maharashtra's key cities, including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur. This directive arrives amidst escalating tensions and on the cusp of crucial civic elections.

Thackeray's communication to his party cadre followed a stern warning from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who cautioned against any attempts to disrupt law and order under the guise of demanding Marathi language implementation.

"I commend your unwavering dedication in championing the cause of Marathi within Maharashtra," Thackeray stated in his letter. "Following my directive at the Gudi Padwa rally to assess Marathi transaction availability in state banks, your swift and widespread action across Maharashtra was exemplary. This not only underscored the inviolability of the Marathi language and its speakers but also showcased the MNS's formidable statewide organizational presence."

However, Thackeray has now placed the onus of enforcement squarely on the state government. "The government bears a significant responsibility. They are privy to Reserve Bank regulations, and it is their duty to ensure their implementation," he asserted. "The Chief Minister's admonition against vigilante actions is understood; yet, as guardians of the law, shouldn't they enforce Reserve Bank mandates? If the government compels these institutions to respect Marathi, we will have no cause to resort to direct action."

Thackeray further elaborated, "The agitation is to be halted now. We have successfully raised awareness and demonstrated the potential consequences of inaction. The onus now falls on the Marathi populace to assert their linguistic rights. If our own people falter in demanding Marathi's rightful place, our continued agitation becomes futile."

This strategic pause by Thackeray coincides with vocal opposition from banking professionals and unions, who had expressed serious reservations about the MNS's aggressive tactics. This calculated move seems to shift the battlefield from direct action to demanding governmental accountability.