Fresh Political Flashpoint as Congress Joins the War of Words

Mumbai:Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Maharashtra’s political temperature has surged once again after a sharp exchange over remarks made by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on linguistic assertions, triggering strong reactions from Raj Thackeray and the Congress, and prompting a forceful counter from Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.


The controversy erupted after Mohan Bhagwat, speaking at a recent event, described “insistence and at times agitation in the name of language” as akin to a “disease.” The remark has since snowballed into a full-blown political confrontation.


Raj Thackeray’s Sharp Rebuttal
Reacting strongly, Raj Thackeray, chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), accused Bhagwat of undermining India’s linguistic diversity and federal ethos.
He argued that branding attachment to one’s mother tongue and regional identity as a “disease” amounts to an insult to the cultural fabric of the nation.
“If love for one’s language is a disease, then this ‘disease’ exists across most states of India,” Thackeray said, asserting that linguistic and regional pride cannot be dismissed lightly without consequences for national unity.


Congress Alleges ‘Political Double Standards’
The Congress also entered the fray, accusing the RSS of pursuing a dual narrative. A Mumbai Congress spokesperson alleged that while the organization criticizes linguistic assertion, it simultaneously seeks legitimacy by inviting celebrities and influential personalities to its public platforms.
The party termed it “political hypocrisy”, questioning the ideological consistency of the RSS.


Fadnavis Mounts a Counter attack
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rejected the opposition’s criticism outright, calling it politically motivated.
He said those who were not invited to the event are now indulging in criticism. Clarifying Bhagwat’s remarks, Fadnavis stated that the RSS chief did not oppose linguistic diversity but cautioned against creating unnecessary social tension in its name.
According to Fadnavis, Bhagwat emphasized dialogue among linguistic communities and stressed that while pride in one’s mother tongue is natural, it should not escalate into confrontation.


Political Undertones Intensify
The row has gained further traction over the presence of prominent public figures at the RSS event, with opposition leaders questioning the changing optics of ideological platforms once sharply criticized.
What began as a statement on language has now evolved into a larger political debate on identity, federalism, and ideological positioning in Maharashtra.

Key Takeaways
Mohan Bhagwat’s remark on linguistic agitation sparks controversy
Raj Thackeray calls the comment an insult to regional identity
Congress accuses RSS of political double standards
Devendra Fadnavis defends Bhagwat, dismisses criticism as opportunistic

With language and identity deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s political history, this confrontation is unlikely to fade soon. As parties sharpen their rhetoric, the issue appears set to dominate the state’s political discourse in the days ahead.