Controversy over Gujarati welcome for Mayor Dimples Mehta, with the Marathi Integration Committee and MNS voicing objections.

Meerabai-Bhiander, 26 August (City News Mumbai)

From the Meerabai‑Bhiander Police Commissionerate, the “Operation Nirman” program was organized at the Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Theatre to raise awareness against drug use and cybercrime. The event was attended by Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik, Additional Police Commissioner Sanjay Shinde, and Police Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chavan, among other officials.

When Mayor Dimple Mehta arrived at the program, the host greeted her in Gujarati. The Marathi Integration Committee and Manse activists protested, lodging their objections in the auditorium.

The activists said, “This is Maharashtra; the mayor is also from Bhiander. Why are we welcoming her in Gujarati? She should be welcomed in Marathi.”

After the protest, the host welcomed the mayor in Marathi. Dipsesh Sarode and Pramod Patil of the Marathi Integration Committee, along with other activists, demanded that Marathi language be respected and given appropriate prominence at government and public events.

The incident heated the atmosphere for a while during the program. The activists made their stance on the respect of the Marathi language very clear.