MNS starts free Marathi classes for non-Marathis

VIOLENT CAMPAIGN: After hijacking Shiv Sen'a Marathi agenda, Maharashtra Navniram Sena wants to sustain the campaign.

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Keywords: Non-Marathi, Marathi Agenda

Mumbai: Following its campaign against the north Indians, Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is now planning to give free Marathi language classes to non-Maharashtrians.

After hijacking Shiv Sena's Marathi agenda, MNS wants to sustain the campaign with the free Marathi classes to the non-Marathis in the city.

"Marathi is official language of the state and non-Maharashtrian should at least know how to communicate in Marathi," MNS district president (South Mumbai) Arvind Gavade said.

Gavade has taken the initiative to start classes in Colaba, Girgaon, Chirabazar and Tardeo area as non-Marathi population is increasing in these areas.

MNS is planning to start the classes from March. There will be three lectures in a week and can be increased as per the demand, Gavade said.

MNS workers assaulted north Indians attending a rally organised by Samajwadi Party at Dadar, Shivaji Park on February 3. The violence later spread to other parts of the state.

Raj Thackeray in a meeting with party members few days back had said he wanted the non-Maharashtrian members to learn the language. The idea for classes was a result of this.

Meanwhile, the MNS students wing has demanded appointment of a Marathi registrar in Mumbai University so that someone who has understanding of the state's society and culture can work well for the University.

"There are a few Marathi professors who are capable of becoming registrar and they should be given fair chance," Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) vice president Sudhakar Tamboli said.

Currently K Venkatramani is registrar in-charge of the University. MNVS is demanding permanent registrar for Mumbai University.