People in Maharashtra must learn Marathi, but violence unacceptable: Fadnavis

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that while residents of the state should make efforts to learn Marathi, violence in the name of language is "unacceptable".

Fadnavis was speaking to reporters after paying floral tribute at the Hutatma Chowk on the occasion of Maharashtra Day. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawade was also present during the occasion.

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The chief minister said that Maharashtra was never this narrow-minded to say that people from outside the state cannot live there.

"As far as language is concerned, it is necessary to have pride in one's language. There has to be a sense of pride in the Marathi language. Whoever resides in Maharashtra should try to learn Marathi. If they haven't learnt it, we will teach them," he said.

His statement comes amid the state government's directive to make Marathi mandatory for autorickshaw and taxi drivers.

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"However, violence in the name of language or controversy over it is unacceptable," Fadnavis said.

He further said Maharashtra is a powerhouse and a growth engine of the country.

Maharashtra, which has been a reformist state that saw the Bhakti movement, also gives direction to the country, he said, adding that the state is the 30th-largest economy in the world.

Fadnavis also extended wishes on the occasion of International Labour Day.