Language Is Not a Disease, It Is Identity: Raj Thackeray Launches Scathing Attack on RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

By Anant Nalawade

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday launched a blistering attack on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, rejecting his remark that insistence on language and agitations around it amount to a “disease”.

In an unusually sharp and uncompromising statement, Thackeray said love for one’s language and region was not a disease but a natural assertion of identity, deeply rooted in India’s political and cultural history.

“Does Mr. Bhagwat not know why states had to be reorganised on linguistic lines? If love for language is a disease, then this disease exists across India — from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to West Bengal, Punjab and Gujarat,” Thackeray said.

‘Selective Silence, Convenient Morality’

Questioning the ideological consistency of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Thackeray accused the Sangh leadership of selective silence when linguistic tensions erupted outside Maharashtra.

“When thousands of migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were chased out of Gujarat, where was your lecture on harmony? Why were no sermons delivered in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh or Punjab?” he asked.

Thackeray said resentment grows when migrant groups reject local culture, insult the local language and create exclusive vote banks. “You call this resentment a disease?” he asked.

‘Fear of Power, Not Love’

Taking a direct swipe at the event in Mumbai where Bhagwat made the remark, Thackeray said dignitaries attended the programme out of fear of the Narendra Modi government, not admiration for Bhagwat.

“If these sermons were so inspiring, why were such halls empty for years? First come out of the illusion that people attend because of you,” he said.

Warning Against Political Overreach

The MNS chief also questioned the RSS’s claim of being a non-political organisation, accusing it of indirect electoral engineering.

Referring to remarks made by Bhaiyyaji Joshi on Mumbai’s linguistic identity, Thackeray said, “This was a deliberate attempt to provoke Marathi people and consolidate Gujarati votes for the BJP. Why should the Sangh interfere in such political games?”

Hindutva, Hypocrisy and Hard Questions

While asserting his commitment to Hindu interests, Thackeray drew a sharp distinction between defensive Hindutva and what he termed chaotic street politics in its name.

“Where is your voice when women are forced to dance obscenely during Kanwar Yatras in North India? Why silence when India has jumped from 9th to 2nd position in beef exports while cow slaughter politics is used to inflame emotions?” he asked.

“MNS has opposed loudspeakers in mosques, nuisance during Hindu festivals, and riots instigated by extremist groups. What is wrong is wrong — we say it clearly. When will you?”

‘Marathi Comes First’

Thackeray ended his statement with an unequivocal declaration:

“For us, the Marathi language and the Marathi people are the supreme priority. Linguistic and regional identities will remain — in India and in Maharashtra. This is our existence. Whenever it is challenged, Maharashtra will rise.”