The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have often been accused of undermining Mumbai and the Marathi language. Recently, a statement made by RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi regarding Mumbai and Marathi has sparked a political controversy. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee’s chief spokesperson, Atul Londhe, has strongly condemned Joshi’s remarks, calling them an insult to both Mumbai and the Marathi language, and has demanded a public apology from him.

Speaking on the matter, Atul Londhe stated that Mumbai, along with Maharashtra, has Marathi as its primary language. However, RSS leaders have historically shown a bias against Mumbai’s Marathi-speaking populace. He alleged that BJP governments have systematically attempted to shift key offices, institutions, and investments away from Mumbai, thereby diminishing its prominence. Now, Londhe claims, there is an attempt to impose Gujarati and other languages over Marathi, and Bhaiyyaji Joshi’s statement is reflective of this larger agenda.