In a bold move aimed at asserting the importance of the Marathi language in Maharashtra, Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has issued a strong warning to the Indian Banks' Association (IBA). In his latest communication, Thackeray has demanded strict compliance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directives mandating the use of Marathi as part of the three-language formula in all banking services across the state.

In a letter addressed to the IBA, dated Wednesday, the MNS chief categorically demanded that banks must implement Marathi alongside English and Hindi in their operations, failing which the MNS would intensify its agitation. The party has previously staged protests to press this demand, but Thackeray has now escalated the pressure by threatening a more aggressive stance.

The letter reads, “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 concerned banks.”

This warning comes just days after the MNS chief had announced a temporary suspension of the ongoing agitation, claiming that the party had succeeded in creating enough awareness around the issue. However, the tone of the recent letter indicates a resumption and possible escalation of the movement if immediate action is not taken.

The issue revolves around the RBI’s circular, which requires public and private sector banks to use three languages — English, Hindi, and the regional language (Marathi in Maharashtra) — in all communication, signage, and services. This includes documents provided to customers, in-branch signage, and interaction platforms like ATMs, websites, and mobile applications.

The MNS, which has long championed Marathi pride and regional identity, sees this as a non-negotiable mandate in Maharashtra. Thackeray, during his Gudi Padwa rally on March 30, had reiterated the party's commitment to the cause. In a fiery speech, he had gone so far as to warn that people or institutions deliberately avoiding the use of Marathi would be "slapped".

This renewed warning also comes amidst growing tension between bank employees and MNS supporters. According to a letter submitted by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, individuals identifying themselves as MNS activists have been visiting bank branches and intimidating staff, demanding the implementation of Marathi in all customer-facing services.

The UFBU’s complaint alleges that several branches across the state have reported such visits, creating an atmosphere of fear and discomfort among bank employees. The forum has requested government intervention to ensure employee safety and prevent disruptions in essential banking services.

This raises important concerns about freedom of language choice, employee safety, and regulatory enforcement. While RBI guidelines clearly mention the use of regional languages, their implementation across private banks in urban areas has remained inconsistent. In many cases, Hindi and English dominate signage and services, leading to resentment among Marathi-speaking customers and local groups.

From the MNS’s perspective, this is not merely a linguistic issue, but a matter of cultural respect and identity. The party believes that denying people access to services in their mother tongue, especially in a state where Marathi is the official language, is a form of disrespect and exclusion.

Thackeray’s letter also subtly holds banking authorities accountable for any future disturbances. By stating that law and order responsibility will rest with the banks, the MNS chief is effectively warning of unrest or disruption if immediate compliance is not observed. This move has drawn criticism from some political opponents who view it as threatening and coercive.

However, among many Marathi speakers, Thackeray’s stand finds popular support. There is a general sentiment among locals that Marathi should not be sidelined, especially in government services, public institutions, and banks operating in Maharashtra.

The political implications of this move are also noteworthy. Thackeray has been trying to revive MNS's political base by returning to core issues of Marathi identity, hoping to regain relevance in the state’s evolving political landscape. His sharp focus on language and cultural pride is seen as an effort to reconnect with the party’s foundational voter base.

The situation has now reached a critical juncture. Banks operating in Maharashtra are likely to face renewed pressure to align with RBI’s three-language policy and accommodate regional sentiments. At the same time, they must ensure employee safety and legal compliance without succumbing to intimidation.

Maharashtra’s government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will also be watching the developments closely. There may be a need for dialogue between stakeholders, including representatives from banks, the RBI, the IBA, and political leaders, to find a pragmatic solution that respects linguistic rights while upholding rule of law.

In conclusion, the language debate in Maharashtra has taken a sharper turn with Raj Thackeray’s latest warning. Whether this leads to policy-level changes, a cooperative resolution, or escalated protests remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Marathi language politics continues to hold a central place in the state’s sociopolitical narrative.

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