Mumbai, December 24: Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding "elite language" status for Marathi language. The Shiv Sena chief's letter comes at a time when relations between the Shiv Sena and BJP are not particularly great, with both the parties having parted ways after the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly Elections. Uddhav Thackeray was sworn-in as the chief minister of Maharashtra after Shiv Sena decided to join hands with Congress and NCP, breaking their over two decaded alliance with the BJP. Uddhav Thackeray Meets Modi for First Time After Becoming CM.
The demand for granting classical or elite language status to Marathi is an old one. Time and again in the past, political parties from Maharashtra, writers and litterateurs have raised the demand for the status of classical status for Marathi. Uddhav Thackeray Swearing-In: PM Narendra Modi Invited by Maharashtra CM-Designate For Oath Taking Ceremony.
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to consider giving Marathi language elite status. (File pics) pic.twitter.com/ENmwPMxf5j
— ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2019
The Shiv Sena and BJP fought the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections together. The saffron alliance also won the majority in the 288-seat house. However, relationship deteriorated between the Shiv Sena and the BJP, following post-poll talks and chief ministership post. The Sharad Pawar led NCP and Congress decided to support the Shiv Sena and the Maha Vikas Aghadi government was formed in the state, despite BJP emerging as the single largest party.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 24, 2019 04:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).