PANAJI
Upping the ante over official status to Marathi, Bicholim MLA Naresh Sawal has assured to give up his political career, if Marathi was given its due.
Speaking at a public meeting organised by Marathi Rajyabhasha Samiti at Azad Maidan, Sawal said,
"If the government thinks the private member's bill is for political gains, then I am ready to quit politics if Marathi is made the official language".
The meeting saw participation of nearly 600 Marathi lovers from across the State. The Samiti has demanded official language status to Marathi, failing which they have threatened not to support BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking further, Sawal said, “At a small meeting in Bicholim, I had assured Dhavalikar that I would bring in this Bill in the upcoming Assembly session. And I have done it”.
Earlier, the MLA gave a notice to table a private member’s bill making Marathi also the official language, along with Konkani.
Taking a dig at Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch, Sawal said it was politically motivated. “I have seen some BBSM members. Before the last elections, these people were speaking against the government, but after BJP came to power they were given posts with high salaries and they conveniently forgot BBSM. Today, from their behaviour, it is visible that they have no love for Marathi”, he said.
“We want Marathi to be the official language and the notice regarding the same has also been given to the Assembly”, he said adding, “Once it is presented in the Assembly, let us see who is in its favour and who is opposing it.”
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Adv Shivaji Desai said, “Konkani cannot be called the official language as it is not used for official purpose.”
Several other senior leaders also spoke on the occasion demanding official language status for Marathi.
