In Maharashtra, the controversial statement of Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve of Eknath Shinde faction has become the center of political debate. Surve had said in a program that “Marathi is my mother, but North India is my aunt”, after which opposition parties and Marathi organizations expressed strong protest. In view of the increasing opposition, the MLA has publicly apologized.

What was the statement and how did the controversy escalate?

During the program, Surve had said, “I say… Marathi is my motherland, my mother and North India is my aunt.” Once the mother dies, it is okay but the aunt should not die because the aunt loves her more.

As soon as the video of his statement went viral on social media, protests started. Displeasure was expressed in many areas of Mumbai and Thane. When the pressure increased, Surve said with folded hands in front of the media, “Marathi is both my mother and aunt.” These words came out unconsciously. If anyone’s sentiments have been hurt, I apologize.

Prakash Survey on Marathi: Marathi Motherland, North India Mavshi, Aayi Meli Tari Chalel Mavshi Nahi!#abpmajha #abpmazha #prakashsurve #maharashtrapolitics #marathinews pic.twitter.com/vwVBGXrCV5

— ABP Majha (@abpmajhatv) November 3, 2025

Government and opposition face to face

Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant defended Surve, saying that the statement was not made intentionally and the MLA immediately expressed regret. Samant alleged that the opposition is unnecessarily trying to give political color to this matter. According to PTI, he said that the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is continuously working to maintain the prestige of Marathi language, which has also recently got the status of classical language.

Opposition from Marathi organizations and opposition

Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Marathi Ekikaran Samiti termed Surve’s statement as an “attack on Marathi identity”. On November 4, these parties took out a protest march in Dahisar and demanded an apology from the MLA on a public platform. Organizations said that such comparison is an insult to Marathi culture and leaders should choose their words carefully. Although Surve’s apology has calmed the atmosphere to some extent amidst the growing controversy, the discussion is still going on in political circles.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a public meeting in Kolkata, raised her voice against linguistic intolerance in sharp words on Monday (July 21, 2025). He questioned whether it is a crime to speak in Bengali language? Why is it stopped? Why is it interrupted? This statement of CM Mamta Banerjee has come at a time when the discussion about languages across the country is intensifying.

CM Mamta Banerjee said in her speech that if there is an attempt to suppress the Bengali language in Bengal like Bihar, then the Trinamool Congress will strongly oppose it. He warned and said, “We will siege, we will not let the votes be cut.” He also mentioned the cultural heritage of Bengal.

Mamta Banerjee said this big thing

Mamta Banerjee, referring to the cultural heritage of Bengal, said, “The land of Bengal gave birth to Rabindranath Tagore. It is from here that national anthem like ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ came out.” She also said that she respects Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and all Indian languages, but it is not acceptable whether to be hated by Bengali language or prevented it from speaking.

Reminding the role of Bengal in the freedom struggle, the Chief Minister of West Bengal said, “Bengali participated in the freedom struggle. Our language is our identity and no attempt to suppress it will be tolerated.”

Emotions over Marathi language in Maharashtra boil

Let us know that controversy over language in the country is constantly deepening. In Maharashtra, emotions about Marathi language are on boil. People say that the attempt to impose Hindi or other languages is against the soul of the Constitution.

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