Sanjay Dutt’s Marathi remark sparks row, entangles Sena minister Sarnaik

Actor Sanjay Dutt, who spent several years behind bars for possessing illegal firearms, including an assault rifle, has landed in a controversy over one of Maharashtra’s most sensitive subjects – the Marathi language.

His remarks, coupled with a hearty laugh shared with a Shiv Sena leader, have further drawn the attention of Marathi activists and leaders, who have taken exception to what the actor said.

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Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who is with the Shiv Sena, had urged Dutt to speak in Marathi while the actor was attending a Dahi Handi celebration. “I spent six years in Yerwada Jail, yet I could not learn Marathi,” Dutt said before laughing.

BJP MLA hits out at Sarnaik

At one point, the minister says, “Aajkal main sab logon ko Marathi sikha raha hoon (These days, I am teaching everyone Marathi).” The remark referred to a recent ruling by Sarnaik’s department requiring auto-rickshaw drivers in Mumbai to have a functional understanding of Marathi phrases to continue working in the city. The controversial decision has sparked criticism and ruffled feathers across Mumbai.

The Shiv Sena minister soon found himself facing criticism from Marathi leaders, who had already objected to Dutt’s remarks.

BJP MLA Narendra Mehta questioned Sarnaik for laughing when the actor casually spoke about not knowing Marathi, pointing out that ordinary people have faced threats and physical attacks over the language issue.

“If an actor does not know Marathi, he laughs at it, while ordinary auto-rickshaw drivers are being threatened over the Marathi language,” Mehta said. “What kind of justice is this?” he asked.

The BJP MLA also accused the Sena leader of saying one thing and doing another. “Eknath Shinde never allowed him to do anything. He is there because a dummy minister is needed,” Mehta said.

Congress slams Sena over Marathi

A day earlier, Sarnaik had also taken a dig at Mehta – without naming him – during an event in Thane’s Mira Bhayandar.

The Congress then joined the controversy, alleging that the Sena has been using the language issue for political gains instead of taking concrete steps to promote Marathi.

Also read | Marathi compulsory in Maharashtra schools as state strengthens language policy

“What has the Shiv Sena done for the development of the language? If Marathi has received Classical Language status today, the groundwork for it was laid by Prithviraj Chavan,” Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said. “People come to Maharashtra for work. But the BJP and the Sena led by Shinde only engage in politics over language,” he added.

The Marathi language controversy has also resulted in attacks on people who have come to Maharashtra from other states. Marathi groups maintain that the local language must not be sidelined in official and public communication.