Maharashtra language war: Minister says teach Marathi in madrasas

The political debate over language in Maharashtra has intensified following a minister's suggestion that Marathi be taught in madrasas. BJP minister Nitesh Rane's demand has triggered a sharp response from the Congress party, which countered by stating that some madrasas already teach Marathi alongside Hindi and English. An opposing speaker highlighted their view, stating, "My belief and everyone's belief is that language and religion, language and religion, these are two different paths." The controversy also extends to a call by Rane for the government's Lok Rajya magazine to cease its Urdu publication. This development is seen as an escalation of the ongoing 'language war' in the state, with rhetoric heating up ahead of civic body polls in Maharashtra.