PUNE: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday said interests of the “sons of the soil” must be considered during development of the state.
“What is the use of development if locals are going to be displaced because of it? Is that even really growth? Such ‘progress’ makes locals landless. It is a threat to the identity of rich cultural societies like in Maharashtra,” he said.
Thackeray was speaking at the Vishwa Marathi Sahitya Sammelan. Organised by the state govt, the literary meet was being held on the Fergusson College grounds and concluded on Sunday. It was the first such event since Marathi was granted the status of a classical language.
“Allocation of land for big development projects must be done only after considering the welfare of Maharashtra’s locals. Also, procurement of land parcels is not easy in states like Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur. Why is our state and its govt so lenient in giving away land? How can thousands of acres get sold so swiftly?” he said.
He also urged writers and poets to take a stand and speak about issues that matter to society. Thackeray said literary works should be looked into without any bias of casteism.
“Legends like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj should be promoted through various mediums like films and writings. The Maratha Empire is unique. The administration was in the hands of the natives and it governed the country for over a century. The young generation must read to know our culture and promote Marathi as a language. If people of other states do it, why should Maharashtrians hesitate?” Thackeray said.
Pune: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday said interests of the “sons of the soil” must be considered during development of the state.
“What is the use of development if locals are going to be displaced because of it? Is that even really growth? Such ‘progress’ makes locals landless. It is a threat to the identity of rich cultural societies like in Maharashtra,” he said.
Thackeray was speaking at the Vishwa Marathi Sahitya Sammelan. Organised by the state govt, the literary meet was being held on the Fergusson College grounds and concluded on Sunday. It was the first such event since Marathi was granted the status of a classical language.
“Allocation of land for big development projects must be done only after considering the welfare of Maharashtra’s locals. Also, procurement of land parcels is not easy in states like Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur. Why is our state and its govt so lenient in giving away land? How can thousands of acres get sold so swiftly?” he said.
He also urged writers and poets to take a stand and speak about issues that matter to society. Thackeray said literary works should be looked into without any bias of casteism.
“Legends like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj should be promoted through various mediums like films and writings. The Maratha Empire is unique. The administration was in the hands of the natives and it governed the country for over a century. The young generation must read to know our culture and promote Marathi as a language. If people of other states do it, why should Maharashtrians hesitate?” Thackeray said.
