Nagpur: As the debate over the Hindi language intensifies in Maharashtra, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule weighed in on Saturday, defending citizens’ right to protest and highlighting the need for expert consultation on language and education.
“This department is with Dadaji Bhuse, so we need to talk to him about it. Ajit Dada (Ajit Pawar) is on our side too; he is opposing it just like us. He is in power, but if the people want to protest, what’s wrong with that? This is a democracy. Anyone can participate, and if you have any objections, you are welcome to join as well,” Sule stated in Nagpur, responding to questions on the controversy.
Emphasising the broader importance of language issues, she added, “Language and education are not just political issues; they are very important social and educational matters. It is essential to understand the views and suggestions of experts and knowledgeable people in the field of language.”
When asked about possible backdoor negotiations, Sule firmly rejected the idea of any secret discussions. “If you want to ask me questions, let me tell you — I regularly talk to Ajit Dada (Ajit Pawar). I also speak with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and all the ministers in Delhi, and they all tweet about it too. Supriya Sule does everything openly and in front of everyone. What is the need to meet anyone secretly?” she declared.
Meanwhile, political temperatures are expected to rise further as Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray plan to hold a joint rally in Mumbai on July 5 against what they see as Hindi language imposition. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar has also thrown his weight behind the Thackeray brothers’ protest.
Supriya Sule confirmed her alignment with the party’s stand on attending the rally, stating, “Sharad Pawar’s statement has also come yesterday and our leader Jayant Patil’s statement has also come.”
