Sena demands strict implementation of Marathi use

Mumbai, Aug 29 (UNI) Former Lok Sabha Speaker and Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi today demanded strict implementation of the law, enforcing use of Marathi signboards at shops and establishments.

Talking to reporters, Mr Joshi said the law should also have the recommendation of imprisonment, if needed, apart from penalty.

Congratulating Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Jairaj Phatak for taking positive stand in having Marathi Signboards, he asked the government to support the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in implementing the Marathi signboards task.

He alleged that the demand of use of Marathi was time and again stayed by the Congress Chief Ministers, but he being the Chief Minister had lifted all the stays in 1995, which resulted in the rapid use of Marathi everywhere.

Without mentioning the name of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, he said the credit for use of Marathi goes to Shiv Sena and not to any other group or party. Interestingly, Mr Joshi's son is Raj's partner in Kohinoor mill development.

He said the government issued the notification on May 31, and then Shiv Sena took up this issue in BMC, adding that Sena was following up this issue since 1967.

''We never opposed other languages, but stressed for use of Marathi,'' the former Chief Minister added.

Shiv Sena leader and M P, Sanjay Raut pointed out that in southern states the signboards were always in local languages.

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