Marathi in the spotlight: Why language agitations and identity politics resurfaced in Maharashtra
Over the last few days, Maharashtra has seen the eruption of yet another language agitation in the state, with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) confronting workers of various establishments, as well as nationalised banks, for not using Marathi in communication with customers. Language agitations in Maharashtra have been a central part of the state’s political history, driven by the need to protect Marathi culture, language, and identity. These movements have had profound effects on the political landscape of the state, leading to the formation of the state in the 1960s and subsequently giving rise to regional parties like the Shiv Sena and the MNS.The recent agitation comes, however, against the backdrop of a noticeable shift in the linguistic landscape of Maharashtra, wher...