Sanjay Dutt's Jail Remark on Marathi Sparks Political Firestorm in Maharashtra
Sanjay Dutt's quip about not learning Marathi in Yerwada Jail triggers a political row, with BJP and Congress attacking Shiv Sena's Pratap Sarnaik.
A casual remark by actor Sanjay Dutt about the Marathi language has ignited a political controversy in Maharashtra, putting a Shiv Sena minister in the crosshairs of opposition parties.
At a Dahi Handi event, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, a Shiv Sena leader, had urged the actor to speak in Marathi. Dutt responded with a quip that he could not learn the language despite spending six years in Yerwada Jail, a comment that drew laughter from the minister.
The exchange has since become a flashpoint, with critics accusing the ruling alliance of hypocrisy on the emotive issue of language.
BJP MLA Narendra Mehta questioned why Sarnaik laughed at the actor's casual dismissal of Marathi, while ordinary citizens, including autorickshaw drivers, face threats and beatings over the same issue. Mehta also alleged a disconnect between the Sena leader's words and actions, suggesting Sarnaik's position was merely that of a "dummy minister."
The Congress party also weighed in, accusing the Shiv Sena of playing politics over language without substantive action. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe noted that while Marathi recently received Classical Language status, the groundwork was laid during the tenure of former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. He added that people come to Maharashtra for work, but the BJP and the Shinde-led Sena only engage in rhetoric.
The controversy underscores the sensitivity of the Marathi language issue in the state, where linguistic pride remains a potent political force.