Raj Thackeray urges banks to adopt Marathi, threatens of intensifying stir

“You give necessary instructions to the banks to use Marathi (in its services) or else MNS will intensify its agitation and after that the law and order responsibility lies with the banks,” Thackeray said in the letter.

According to the letter, the RBI has previously instructed both public and private banks to display signage and provide services in three languages, including the regional tongue specific to each state.

This renewed demand follows Thackeray’s instruction to party workers on April 5 to temporarily suspend protests over the issue, claiming “we have created enough awareness on the issue”.

However, earlier demonstrations prompted the United Forum of Bank Unions to appeal to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alleging that individuals identifying themselves as MNS members had visited bank branches and harassed staff.

During his Gudi Padwa address on March 30, Thackeray reinforced his stance, asserting that Marathi should be compulsory in official matters and warned that deliberate refusal to use the language would be met with intense and agressive protests by his party.