Mumbai, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : Abu Asim Azmi, the Maharashtra President of the Samajwadi Party, has spoken out in support of migrant workers amid the ongoing Marathi language controversy. He emphasized that while learning Marathi is commendable, it is unacceptable to intimidate people under the guise of making the language mandatory. Reports of violence and disrespect towards taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers have created a climate of fear among migrants and residents from other states, he noted.
Azmi also expressed concerns regarding the depiction of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin on the United Nations map. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to focus on national security issues rather than divisive topics like temple-mosque or Hindu-Muslim matters. Addressing the participation of Muslims in Garba celebrations, he stated that if any community is barred from joining a religious event, then their presence is not necessary.
On the Marathi language issue, Azmi highlighted that learning the language is not wrong for those residing in Maharashtra. The real problem arises when individuals are pressured or threatened over language. He criticized those exploiting the language dispute to target and humiliate taxi and rickshaw drivers, which fosters fear among newcomers.
He acknowledged the significant role of workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and other states in Maharashtra’s economy. These individuals contribute from grassroots jobs to major industries. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Azmi pointed out that many migrant workers returned to their villages, impacting construction projects in the state.
He questioned the implications if these workers were to leave Maharashtra, stressing that everyone has the right to work and live where they choose, and they deserve to be treated with dignity. Azmi appealed to both the Chief Minister and Prime Minister to create job opportunities instead of escalating regional disputes. He insisted that if there are enough jobs available for locals, they should be provided, but humiliating or instilling fear in migrants does not serve the nation’s interests.
Regarding the UN’s new map, Azmi firmly objected to the representation of Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that it is an integral part of India. He called for accurate portrayals of India’s territory and urged Modi to prioritize the protection of national interests over divisive issues.
On the topic of Garba events, Azmi maintained that mutual respect for each community’s festivals and beliefs is essential. If certain activities do not align with Muslim beliefs, then participation is not necessary. He stressed the importance of maintaining friendships and social ties, but emphasized that involvement in every religious event is not obligatory. If the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) prohibits Muslims from attending Garba, then there is no justification for their attendance.
Leave a Comment